After a gap of one year, the idol-makers of Assam’s Dibrugarh are getting busy making Durga idols.
Last year, due to Covid19 pandemic, Durga Puja was organised in a symbolic way.
But this year, the government has given permission to organise Durga Puja following Covid protocol.
The idol-makers of Dibrugarh are working day and night to complete the orders before time.
Also read: Assam government issues new SOP for Durga Puja
“This time, we have got 19 orders and we are preparing the idols with a less workforce. Idol-making is our family business and for the last several years, we have been associated with the business,” said Deep Paul, a second-generation idol-maker.
“Last year, we made very less Durga idols because of the Covid19 restrictions. This time, we are happy that Durga Puja will be organised,” Paul added.
He said, “We have restricted the height of the idols up to 8 feet. Earlier, we made 12-14 feet Durga idol. Last year, the Covid19 affected our business because the Durga Puja committees had a limited budget and they didn’t pay good amounts for the idols.”
“Here, we are making various kinds of Durga idols. Some are very decorative which cost a high price and some are simple Durga idols which start from Rs 20,000,” Paul said.
Paul added, “Now, we are doing 30-40 % business. Last year, we did just 10% business. We have to bring the materials from West Bengal and due to the short heights of the Durga idols, we are facing some issues. But we will manage it locally.”
Most of the idol-markers are happy with the decision of the government and have jumped into their works after the announcement to hold Durga Puja this year.
“Last year, we did no business and we did not build any idol. For the last several years, we have been in this business but last year, we suffered a huge financial loss. This time, we have received 12 orders and now shaping the idols to deliver them before time,” Sudhir Chandra Paul, another idol-maker of Dibrugarh said.