High price of puja materials, scanty donation by people
A sculptor preparing an idol of Goddess Durga at Huzrapur in Chapainawabganj yesterday, less than two weeks from the puja festival.Photo: STAR
High price of raw materials used for making idols coupled with other costs is badly affecting preparations of Durga Puja in the district. "Prices of wood, bamboo, straw, paints, cloths and other materials used for making the idols have risen sharply. On an average cost of the raw materials has increased by 40 to 50 percent compared to last year," said Apurba Sarkar, general secretary of Jhankar Sangha at Guripara in Chapainawabganj town. "Besides, we are getting scanty amounts as donation this year as people are burdened with skyrocketing prices of necessary commodities," said Apurba, an organiser of Durga Puja in the area. During this time of the year the country's Hindu community get engaged in lively preparations to welcome goddess Durga and celebrate on the occasion. Ahead of the biggest festival of the Bangali Hindus, idol makers are now busy day and night to make sure that they are ready in time. Ashish Kumar Sinha could hardly sleep during the last few days as he has been too busy to complete the work orders. He is making seven idols this year in different areas of the district including one in Godagari upazila. "I am not expecting good returns this year, because of labourer costs has increased. Four persons are working with me on daily wage basis," he said. Another idol maker Asit Kumar Pal of Baroghoria in Sadar upazila said their business is suffering due to increased cost of raw materials and other items. Kanak Ranjan Das, president of Sadar upazila of Saradiya Durga Puja Udjapon Committee, said, "This year 117 mandops are being readied for Durga Puja in this area but high cost is badly affecting the preparations of the festival." "The number of purohits (priests) and dhakis (drummers) has decreased and their charges are higher now. None from the young generation is willing to join these professions due to uncertainty of earning," he said.
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