By- Godhooli Sharma
LUCKNOW: Modelling a huge pile of Durga idols amid repeated calls from customers, Ashok Rai had his hands full months before Durga Puja every year. However, Covid changed the fortunes of artisans like Rai.
Though the pandemic curve has gone down, modellers, who give shape to Puja festivities, are staring at huge losses for second year in a row as sales are still low due to muted celebrations.
An artisan used to sell about 500 idols during Ganesh and Durga puja festivities during the pre-Covid era.
However, the number has now plunged to below 50. Many artisans who used to come from Bengal especially for the Puja have skipped the visit this year as well.
According to Neeloy Pal, the owner of a 50-year-old Durga Workshop in the city, “The work related to Durga idols used to begin from February-March. This time, it began about a fortnight ago. Last year, the work was negligible. Nothing has changed this year too.”
However, Pal is slightly optimistic as he made a few idols during Ganesh Chaturthi which were luckily sold off. It gave him strength to make about 30 to 40 idols for Durga Puja. “With Devi’s blessings, many of them got booked,” he added.
Similarly, Vimal Mitra, another sculptor, said, “Last year, only 15 idols were sold. This time, we got a few more orders, but it is not sufficient to run the family.”
Mitra also informed that the materials used for decorating the idols have not yet arrived from Bengal due to restrictions. “We used to be so busy during these days in pre - covid times and sell almost 500 idols every year,” he said.
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