As the Hindu community prepares to celebrate Durga Puja, idol makers in Cox’s Bazar are busy shaping idols of Goddess Durga.
At the Cox’s Bazar Central Saraswati Bari Temple in the Lal Dighi east bank area, artisans are currently making seven idols. Some artisans are working on the bamboo-and-straw frames, while others are applying layers of clay or working on the faces and ornaments of the idols.
Once different parts of the idols have dried, the artisans will move on to painting and decoration.
Idol maker Babul Bhattacharya, who has been making idols for 45 years, said he was currently working on idols for the Saraswati Bari Temple, Kali Temple in Cox’s Bazar and several temples outside the town.
He stated, “We are currently working tirelessly to finish the idols before the Puja.”
Four to five idol makers are working at the Saraswati Bari Temple, he said, adding that experienced artisans have to be paid Tk 30,000 or more a month.
“The cost of making idols has also increased this year. Bamboo, straw, clay, paint and other materials are now more expensive than last year,” he said.
Another artisan, Sanjit Das, said the workload increased during the Puja season, but earnings also improved to some extent.
“Work has been excellent this year, so I am hopeful about my earnings,” he said.
Artisans said the process begins with building a framework using bamboo and straw. They then apply clay in specific proportions to shape different parts of the body. Once the clay dries, the artisans work on the finer details. Finally, they complete the idols with paint, clothing, ornaments, and other decorations.
Meanwhile, the Puja committees said idol-making at various mandaps was nearing completion, and they had made special arrangements at different venues in Cox’s Bazar this year.
Uday Shankar Pal Mithu, acting president of the Cox’s Bazar district unit of the Puja Udjapan Parishad, said more than 300 mandaps would host Durga Puja in the district this year, as in the previous year.
“As the Puja approaches, idol makers are working to complete the final preparations. The idols of Goddess Durga are gradually taking shape in the hands of the artisans. The painting and decoration will be completed within a few days, after which the idols will be taken to different mandaps,” he said.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
