The costume ends, but the service continues

Ravi Katapady’s 14 year charity journey has raised 1.85 crore and helped 204 children. “This will be my final costume, but I will not stop helping children.” Speaking to News Trail, Ravi Katapady said he has decided to take a break and end his annual costume tradition after 14 years, mainly because of the health problems caused by the chemicals and materials used in preparing the elaborate costumes. “For 14 years, people supported me and helped us raise money for children who need treatment. I am grateful to everyone who stood with us,” Ravi said. Every Krishna Janmashtami, Ravi wears an elaborate costume and travels through Udupi and surrounding areas with his team to collect donations.

What began as a festival activity in 2014 gradually became a charity initiative focused on helping children from families who can not afford expensive medical treatment. So far, Ravi and his Ravi Friends Katapady team have raised ?1.85 crore and helped 204 children. This year, Ravi will wear a Merman costume for the final time. The team has set a target of ?15 lakh during the Janmashtami celebrations. If the target is achieved, the total amount raised through the initiative will reach ?2 crore. “The main aim this year is to help children who are undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer. We also want to support children who need heart treatment,” Ravi said. Ravi is a worker in the construction industry.

His charity work has been carried out alongside his regular livelihood. Every year, he has spent considerable time preparing for the festival, arranging the costume and going out with his team to collect donations. But the years of wearing elaborate costumes have taken a toll on his health. “The preparation involves chemicals, adhesives and makeup. After doing this for so many years, I have faced health problems. That is why I have decided to stop wearing costumes,” he said. Giving up the costume, however, does not mean giving up the cause. Ravi said he plans to continue helping children who require financial support for medical treatment.

He may no longer attract crowds through an elaborate costume, but he wants to find other ways to raise funds and continue the work. Looking back at the journey, Ravi said the support from ordinary people has been the biggest strength behind the initiative. “I could not have done this alone. The support from the public made it possible to help so many children,” he said. This year’s Merman appearance will therefore be different. It will be the last costume in a 14-year journey that has raised ?1.85 crore and helped 204 children. For Ravi, the costume may end in 2026. The service will continue.