Paralakhemundi: As the Ganesh Chaturthi is drawing near parts of the state are abuzz with activities. Idol-makers from Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal have flocked to several regions of the state to make a quick buck in the festive season.
Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters of Gajapati district, is no different. Several artisans from Kolkata are now busy here giving shape to their imagination, involving mud, sweat, and love. The idol-makers are infusing life into a range of earthen idols with their expertise.
Not only customers from Paralakhemundi buy their idols, but people from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh also buy their life-size statues. Similarly, people from Gumma, Gosani, Raigarh, Kashinagar and other blocks come to the district headquarters to buy the idols.
The artisans work round the clock on their unique, striking designs. After giving final touches to the idols of Lord Ganesh, they will begin taking orders for making idols of Durga, Gajalakshmi, Kali and return home after Saraswati Puja.
Tapas Samant, an expert from Kolkata, said he has been in this profession for decades. He came here a fortnight ago. By now, he has already made 45 idols and has got advance money for 15 idols. “I make a good amount of money by Lord Ganesh’s blessing,” he said.
The idol prices range from Rs 4,000 to Rs 1 lakh. He has employed around 10 junior artisans who work day and night to make the idols and deliver them to customers. While the chief idol-makers earn up to Rs 25,000 and even more a month, their associates earn up to Rs 15,000. Similarly, the junior artisans also manage to earn up to Rs 8,000 a month. Since the Kolkata artisans excel in colouring of idols, they are always in demand for making festive deities.
PNN
