Creation of Durga idols gains pace in city as artisans race against puja deadline

Preparations for Durga puja have started gaining momentum, with artisans busy shaping idols of Goddess Durga. As the festival approaches, sculptors are moving through the various stages of idol making.

Artisans are preparing clay, giving shape to the idols and working on finer details before the painting and decoration stages. According to artisans, a painstaking process begins months before the festival and involves several stages of construction, drying, painting and ornamentation before an idol is ready to be installed at a puja venue.

Artisans highlighted that the making of a traditional Durga idol starts with a bamboo structure that serves as the skeleton. Straw is then tied around the framework to develop the basic shape of the body. Clay is applied in layers and then the face, hands, feet and other features are shaped.

Ajay Pal, an artisan involved in idol making, said, “The work was after the March month and we are trying to complete the idols within the scheduled time. The process takes a few months to complete due to the various orders.”

Artisan Pal is currently crafting a 36-foot idol for the Ramlala Durga Puja Samiti at the Zila School grounds, the highest among all the orders of over 40 different idols for pandals across the state.

Sculptors emphasised that the eyes, considered one of the most delicate aspects of the process, are painted towards the final stage.

The idol is then dressed and decorated with traditional ornaments, hair, weapons and other accessories.

Shashi Prajapati, another sculptor, said, “Idol making is not a process that can be completed in a few days. Each stage requires time, particularly the drying of the clay. Weather conditions also have a direct impact on the work.”

However, changing weather conditions have emerged as a concern for sculptors. Weather challenge has added an additional layer of uncertainty to the traditional craft as the deadline for completing the idols approaches.

Artisans said they are keeping artificial lighting and other arrangements ready to deal with damp weather. “We are careful about the drying process. If necessary, floodlights and artificial lighting can be used to help with drying, but natural drying is still important for proper finishing. We are working to ensure that the idols are completed and ready for installation before the beginning of the festival,” Pal added.

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