Rising raw material costs put Siliguri’s Kumartuli artisans under financial strain ahead of festive season

Siliguri, 08th September: Siliguri’s Kumartuli is busy with preparations for the upcoming festive season, with idol-makers working day and night to complete their orders. However, rising prices of raw materials have become a major concern, adding to the financial pressure on the artisans.

According to reports, the prices of essential materials used in idol-making, including clay, bamboo, twine, fabric, paints and decorative ornaments, have increased significantly. While production costs continue to rise, artisans are finding it difficult to increase the prices of idols, fearing that higher rates could discourage customers and affect sales.

The festive calendar is packed, beginning with Ganesh Puja, followed by Vishwakarma Puja and then Durga Puja, the biggest festival for Bengalis. With only a few days left for Ganesh Puja, artisans are working day and night to complete existing orders. Several Ganesh idols of different sizes are nearing completion, while work on Vishwakarma idols is also progressing rapidly.

Despite the busy atmosphere, uncertainty over demand has made many artisans cautious. A number of idol-makers are now accepting orders strictly on a made-to-order basis and are avoiding producing additional idols without confirmed bookings.

Artisans are also concerned that not all Puja committees may receive government grants this year. They fear that any reduction in Puja budgets could affect the number and size of idols ordered, leaving unsold idols as a financial burden.

Orders for Durga Puja have already started arriving, but artisans are carefully calculating their production requirements before taking on additional work. They are caught between rising production costs and the risk of losing customers if idol prices are increased.

Despite these challenges, work at Siliguri’s Kumartuli continues at full pace, with artisans putting in long hours to ensure that their idols are ready in time to add colour and vibrancy to the upcoming festive season.