As the calendar flips to October, the air in Delhi begins to carry the scent of festive excitement. The anticipation for the iconic Dussehra mela at Lal Qila builds with every passing day.
Preparations for the grand Dussehra mela at Lal Qila, Delhi, are underway, as workers transform the grounds into a space for celebration.
But before the grand enactments of Ram’s triumph can grace the stage, a team of workers toils tirelessly in the background, preparing the grounds for a spectacle that thousands will soon enjoy. Their labor is the unseen force behind the grandeur that unfolds under the night sky, year after year.
A dedicated crew member works meticulously on the stage where the Raamleela will soon unfold.
Ensuring the safety of the massive crowd is of paramount concern. Every structure – from the towering effigies to the stages and swings – is meticulously checked and re-checked.
Workers ready their machines and tools.
Pawan carefully measures a cloth piece to tie the wooden logs for a stable structure.
“All workers here are trained and skilled for this. We don’t take chances,” says Pawan Kumar. These multiple layers of safety checks ensure that the festival grounds remain safe for the thousands of families who come to witness the story of Ramayana
The metal pillars for the swings are prepared by workers.
For the workers behind the spectacle, this season brings not only pride but also economic relief. “During this time, we earn enough to support our families through the rest of the year. My skill in bamboo craft is what keeps me coming back every year. My team and I have been making the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran for many years now,” says Vinod.
Vinod, an expert bamboo craftsman, delicately carves Ravana’s crown, carefully halving the bamboo to shape the demon king’s headpiece.
A skilled team of bamboo craftsmen works tirelessly to construct the effigies.
The skeletal bamboo structures of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran.
A worker cuts bamboo to make the effigies.
For him and others, this is a crucial time when they can afford to buy Diwali presents for their families and experience a sense of financial ease.
Despite the hard work, the workers find immense satisfaction in their contribution to this iconic festival. “All this hard work pays off when we see the people enjoying themselves. When we see the grandeur of the mela, it’s not just the decorations but the joy on people’s faces that makes it worth it. It’s the people’s trust in us that gives us even more happiness,” shares Devendra, one of the many hands bringing this massive celebration to life.
Devendra ties bamboo poles together with strong threads, weaving the foundation for the towering figures.
A painter brings colour to metal sheets, adding a vibrant touch to the swings that will soon be a favourite attraction at the mela.
Workers making stage ready for the Ram Leela theatre
Quintals of fabric await their turn to be stitched and transformed into the stunning decorations that will adorn the grand Pandal.
Parts of swings lie in wait, ready to be assembled and enjoyed by the crowds that will soon fill the festival grounds.
With the final touches being put in place, the Dussehra Mela at Lal Qila is all set to open its gates on October 3 for the public, ready to offer a magnificent experience while honouring the efforts of those who remain behind the curtain.
Shivansh Srivastava is a photojournalist based in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. His work primarily focuses on human rights, gender issues, societal dynamics, climate change and environment.
