The celebration of Vijayadashami, traditionally signifying the triumph of righteousness over malevolence, takes on a deeper meaning of communal harmony in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Far beyond mere festive rituals, the city demonstrates a living example of shared cultural heritage through a joint craftsmanship that has thrived for decades. Two families from different backgrounds have maintained a steadfast tradition of working hand in hand to construct towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada, turning a seasonal trade into an enduring symbol of mutual trust and affection.
A Partnership Spanning Over Half A Century
Elaborating on the origins of this remarkable cooperation, Rajesh Kumar Gancha notes that his father Gyarsilal Ji Gancha and Suleman Ji Shorgar were close friends who originally established the joint enterprise of building festive effigies. Though the original founders have passed away, the legacy they created continues to flourish through the younger generation. Today, the work is carried forward by Rajesh Kumar Gancha alongside Suleman Ji’s son, Samad Bhai Shorgar, marking roughly 50 years of continuous collaboration between the two households built entirely on mutual respect and shared labor.
Tradition Reaches Its Fourth Generation Of Continuity
As years have passed, the collaborative spirit has deepened to encompass younger family members, successfully extending the tradition into its fourth generation. The participants emphasize that throughout their decades of joint work, they have never encountered friction or division, operating instead with seamless coordination and goodwill. This enduring partnership serves as a quiet reminder of grassroots unity, with newer members of the families actively stepping in each year to learn the craft and sustain the collaborative venture.
Effigies Distributed Across Multiple Locations In The City
The scale of the production is substantial, culminating in prominent displays such as the 51-foot tall effigy of Ravana erected at Tejaji Chowk, accompanied by 35-foot tall effigies of Kumbhakarna and Meghnada for the ceremonial burning. Beyond the main city square, constructed effigies are dispatched to various surrounding areas including Mazdoor Colony, Labor Colony, Sanganer, Salera, and Pur. Orders for these locations typically include sets of multiple effigies alongside traditional animal figures, fulfilling the festive requirements of diverse neighborhoods across the region.
