India, Sept. 30 -- With Dussehra just a day away, Gurugram is brimming with festive spirit. Markets are buzzing, grounds are being prepared, and excitement is building as residents look forward to the symbolic burning of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. But behind the dazzling spectacle are the hands of local effigy makers, who are working round the clock to complete their craft despite weather challenges and rising costs.

Pawan Kumar, a seasoned 60-year-old effigy maker, has been setting up his shop near Government College for Girls in Sector 14 for almost a decade. With over 20 years of experience, Pawan described the challenges of this seasonal craft.

"Just a day ago, sudden showers threatened to ruin weeks of labour. We had to quickl...