SILCHAR, Oct 2 - It is that time of the year when idol makers in the Kumartulis are busy giving shape to idols of Goddess Durga and her celestial children. But the spread of COVID-19 has hit life across all spheres, and Durga Puja this year is likely to be a low key affair. Because of the pandemic, the government has issued instructions to puja organisers to worship the Goddess in idols much smaller in size that require less number of men to carry them.
Kunal Das, son of idol-maker Kajal Das and a student of class 9 and a resident of Das Colony in Silchar, is well aware of the circumstances surrounding the pandemic. �I became interested in this art form at a very early age by witnessing my father at work. Since the idols this time would be smaller in size, my father has given me a free hand to start the proceedings all on my own,� Kunal told The Assam Tribune.
Kajal Das said they had to undergo a lot of hardship because of the pandemic. �We have got no orders this year. However, as artisans, we are used to prepare the idols and this spirit has motivated me to finish the tasks at hand.
�I am happy to see my son work beside me with contagious enthusiasm. He has nearly finished an idol and this is encouraging me to take up a few other idols,� Kajal said.
Similar reactions were expressed by idol makers at some other places. �This year, we are not thinking of any income. If we survive through the time, we will feel fortunate,� said another idol maker at Gopalganj, a famed colony of idol makers.
Kartik Bardhan, a popular artisan in Tarapur locality, added, �Usually every year, at least 12-13 idols are common in the list for Durga Puja. This year, only two small-sized idols for household puja are in the making. There is very little room for risk under the circumstances as five idols of Goddess Basanti are lying unsold.�
SILCHAR, Oct 2 - It is that time of the year when idol makers in the Kumartulis are busy giving shape to idols of Goddess Durga and her celestial children. But the spread of COVID-19 has hit life across all spheres, and Durga Puja this year is likely to be a low key affair. Because of the pandemic, the government has issued instructions to puja organisers to worship the Goddess in idols much smaller in size that require less number of men to carry them.
Kunal Das, son of idol-maker Kajal Das and a student of class 9 and a resident of Das Colony in Silchar, is well aware of the circumstances surrounding the pandemic. �I became interested in this art form at a very early age by witnessing my father at work. Since the idols this time would be smaller in size, my father has given me a free hand to start the proceedings all on my own,� Kunal told The Assam Tribune.
Kajal Das said they had to undergo a lot of hardship because of the pandemic. �We have got no orders this year. However, as artisans, we are used to prepare the idols and this spirit has motivated me to finish the tasks at hand.
�I am happy to see my son work beside me with contagious enthusiasm. He has nearly finished an idol and this is encouraging me to take up a few other idols,� Kajal said.
Similar reactions were expressed by idol makers at some other places. �This year, we are not thinking of any income. If we survive through the time, we will feel fortunate,� said another idol maker at Gopalganj, a famed colony of idol makers.
Kartik Bardhan, a popular artisan in Tarapur locality, added, �Usually every year, at least 12-13 idols are common in the list for Durga Puja. This year, only two small-sized idols for household puja are in the making. There is very little room for risk under the circumstances as five idols of Goddess Basanti are lying unsold.�
