Chatmohar idol makers are having a busy time on the occasion of upcoming Durga Puja. They are now doing the work of making the structure of the statue, putting soil and other materials in the structure. At this moment, they do not have time to catch their breath.
It has been found that some idol artists of different unions of the upazila, including Belgachi of Nimaichra Union of Chatmohar, Bothor of Bilchalon Union and Baluchar Mahalla of Municipal Headquarters make idols. Due to the high cost of idol making materials, they are not able to earn as much as before, but somehow they are surviving in this profession.
Belgachi village idol artist Amal Pal said that four families of Belgachi village work in making idols. They made various idols including Durga, Swaraswati, Kali, Lakshmi, Manasa, Shiva Tagore, Vishwakarma, Ganesha. When the order is received, it is manufactured and delivered. However, at present they are busy making Durga idols as Durga Puja is coming up. This year he received orders for 32 Durga idols. Making the structure and putting soil on it. He also said that the prices of straw, bamboo, twine, iron, paint, clay, rice husk, cloth and other materials for making idols have increased. Depending on the size, one idol can be sold for 10 thousand to 20 thousand taka. In addition to Pabna, traditional religious people from Natore, Sirajganj and surrounding areas bought idols. Even if they cannot make much profit, they are making a living by clinging to this industry.
Apurba Pal said that he has received orders for 12 Durga idols this year. Already completed the construction work. Another idol artist named Sanatan Pal is working on making 10 Durga idols. They said that clay soil has become scarce. There was no need to buy land before. Now you have to buy land at a high price. They cannot profit by increasing the price of other materials. Can't even leave the ancestral profession. All in all, how are they surviving?
Satyen Chakraborty, idol artist of Bothor village, said that he has started making 12 Durga idols this year. Now working on the structure. Hope to be able to deliver all before the puja. He also said that about 35 idol artists of Chatmohar are now busy making hundreds of Durga idols.
Ashok Chakraborty, president of Chatmohar Upazila Puja Celebration Council, said that Durga Puja will be held in 52 temples of Chatmohar this year. He sought everyone's help in celebrating the puja smoothly.
