Ajmer, Oct. 2 -- With Dussehra approaching, the preparations for the festival have gathered pace in Ajmer, where artisans are working against time to give shape to towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghanada.

The effigy-making process has brought a familiar buzz to the city as artisans work with bamboo frames, waste material and golden paper to construct the figures that will become the centrepiece of the traditional Dussehra celebrations.

Artisan Shabbir Ahmed Farooqui said the work began later than usual this year due to delays in the tendering process, leaving the team with less time to complete the elaborate structures.

"We arrived a little late this time. Usually, we start work a month in advance after the committee cal...