Impact of Covid-19 on Idol Makers

Photo Credit : News Live TV

               The annual homecoming of Maa Durga is the one event that connects all Indians, especially Bengalis. From Los Angeles to London, Paris to Perth, Bengalis and all those who crave the sights, scents, and sounds of pujo prepare for the days of revelry and devotion in September-October. Dhaak, shiuli flowers, adda, and an endless supply of biryani, fish fry, and luchi, as well as kosha mangsho, are all on the menu. Apart from soaking up the festive atmosphere with friends and family, Durga Puja is also about having fun and frolic. As the last of the monsoon clouds dissipate, leaving bright blue skies and a chill in the air, it’s fair to say that the Bengalis’ spirits, like that the kaashphool fronds swaying on river banks, begin to sway in the cool breeze. Every Bong looks forward to the festival all year, whether it’s for the delight of shopping for new outfits, indulging in exquisite food, or partying in full enthusiasm from Shoshti to Doshomi.

                  Preparations for this year’s Durga Puja have already begun in several parts of the world with less than a month to go. Like every year, people are looking forward to this year’s version, with some expecting enjoyment and merriment and others depending on it for their livelihood.

            The entire aura of the Durga Puja festival is not as good as it was in previous editions due to the pandemic. Silchar’s idol makers are experiencing a severe workforce crisis. As long as the pandemic continues, it appears that production will be poor, as it was last year.

               The celebration of Durga Puja was fraught with apprehension among the general public, organisers, and idol artisans. However, with CM Sarma’s proclamation that the festival will be celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm while adhering to all COVID-19 regulations, it appears that everyone will have a clear picture of the festival being celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm while adhering to all COVID-19 rules. Due to the pandemic sweeping the country, Durga Puja will be a low-key occasion for the second year in a row.

                                                                   Photo Credit :  http://www.xinhuanet.com

                 According to the local artisans, they are not getting work as a result of the pandemic, and last year’s SOP forced them to close their doors, but this year the CM has declared that Puja would be performed. Sculptors from Kolkata visit to Silchar every year to work on idols alongside local sculptors. This year, the same thing has happened. In this city, their art is well-known, but not in Kolkata. As can be observed, local artisans are not obtaining employment, and Kolkata artisans have stepped in and taken over their work at a low price, which has harmed the local artists, who are protesting. The pandemic has had an especially severe impact on artists. 

           As Durga Puja is the celebration of optimism, we can hope and pray to Goddess Durga that when she arrives, she rains all the happiness and brightness and that when she departs, she takes away the disease, so that we can enjoy Durga Puja with the same zeal as we had before the pandemic.