Covid Impact: Gloom Grips Idol Makers as Saraswati Puja Arrives

GUWAHATI: Amid covid restrictions, the states are planning low-key celebrations which leads the idol makers into a tizzy, just as they are putting the finishing touches on Goddess Saraswati's idols.

Notably, Saraswati puja is just 5-6 days away but idol makers are still waiting for orders for idols.

Craftsmen in Covid are facing massive losses and an uncertain future. With only 5-6 days to the puja, the artisans have lowered the pricing of idols in order to attract purchasers.

The number of sales has decreased. Big idols that can actually assist us to make money are in short supply. The majority of the customers purchase little idols. Even prestigious institutions that are known for massive Saraswati Puja celebrations are opting for modest idols," said Uttam Chakraborty, a well-known idol sculptor in Agartala.

Another idol maker from Agartala, Ratan Rudra Paul, claimed the state government's move to change the night curfew schedule has aided idol makers "to some extent."

"Thanks to the rescheduled timetable, we'll have some time to display the idols." The Puja is scheduled for February 5, and now is the best time to make preparations. "While sales may not be as high as they were before the outbreak, orders have begun to stream in from schools and educational instuitutions," Paul said.

Recently Assam's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Keshab Mahanta, announced on Sunday that the state government will not release a new Saraswati Puja SOP.

"The Saraswati puja would have to be celebrated by following the COVID protocols established earlier and no new SOP will be amended," Keshab Mahanta told the reporters in Bokakhat. 

"We have asked people to celebrate the celebration in a COVID-appropriate manner, to wear masks, and to maintain social distance in order to prevent the virus from spreading further," the minister added.

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