Rajganj, 29th January: Saraswati Puja is just around the corner. But the workshop of several artisans of Rajganj bears a deserted look. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on the livelihood of many who look forward to the festive time to earn some extra money.
The idol makers, who suffered significant losses in Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja, had hoped for the winds to blow in a different direction with the advent of a new year. However, with only a few days left for the puja, the sculptors have not received any order and the idols of Goddess Saraswati are still lined up waiting.
Artisan Bhanu Pal said that business was quite low during Durga Puja and Kali Puja. So, he had hoped for the sales to increase for Saraswati Puja. But as compared to last year, the orders have gone significantly low. Bhanu added that many idol makers, like him, are staring at losses as the material used to make the idols has become very expensive and artisans have to be called from outside to work. To make matters worse, they are not making much money from selling the idols.