Colourful charnis for sale in Ranchi. Picture by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Dec. 23: The three kings, the shepherds, the angels, Mother Mary and Joseph were present in the stable. But missing from the tableau was the haystack, which has been replaced by thermocol.

Models depicting Jesus Christ’s birthplace have turned from the stables of Bethlehem to a modern room.

Thermocol have replaced the haystacks in the charnis — the tableau used to depict the birthplace of Jesus — as it is cheaper and more colourful than the traditional ones.

George Purty, who has been designing haystack tableaux for 10 years, said he makes the traditional form, which is widely used.

“But now some are buying the thermocol tableaux, which cost between Rs 25 and Rs 100. Those made using haystacks are costlier than the new ones,” Purty said.

The cost of a haystack tableau starts at Rs 1000.

Purty said probably these new professionals who have entered the market are unaware of the history behind the birth of Christ. But several tribal families are placing orders for the haystack tableaux, he said.

Despite this new option for the residents here, people said few families are going in for the designer version.

“Since first week of December we have received about 35 orders for haystack tableaux, as Jesus was born amid animals and shepherds surrounded by haystacks. This shows that most people are inclined to stick to tradition,” Purty said.

Sellers of the tableaux can be seen designing them on the spot after orders are placed. These people have set up shops along Purulia Road.

Purty said they get the hay for the tableaux from various places “like Ratu Road, Doranda, Booty More and Piska More”, among others.

Another designer of the haystack tableaux, Manoj Lakra, said making tableaux, especially the traditional ones, was not an easy task.

“Perfection is required while designing the tableaux and most people are unable to bring perfection to their work,” said the resident of Karamtoli.

Hence orders are placed with those who know how to make one properly.

“That way people can look forward to making the celebrations unique.”

Lakra, too, said that those making thermocol tableaux are ignorant of the fact that when Jesus was born, he was in a haystack hut surrounded by Mother Mary, the three kings, shepherds and lots of animals.

“Commercialisation has taken a toll on this field, too, which should be stopped immediately,” Lakra added.

Purty and Lakra were right about one thing. Md Alam was unaware about the birthplace of Jesus and the story behind the birth, though he sells thermocol tableaux.

“I came up with the idea of using thermocol instead of hay and asked by sons to help me design such a house. I am only concerned about earning my livelihood,” Alam added.