Dhaka:With Durga Puja approaching, idol makers in Dhaka are working long hours to meet the seasonal demand. However, they face rising costs and shrinking profits.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the price of idols has increased significantly, but the profits for artisans have not matched this rise. The costs of raw materials, wages, and other expenses are impacting their earnings. Additionally, the use of technology in idol making is reducing the demand for traditional hand-crafted work.
Ratan Pal, a 54-year-old artisan from Gopalganj, has been making idols for 26 years. He learned his craft in Madaripur and currently works at Ramna Kali Temple in Dhaka. Ratan noted that the cost of making an idol has nearly doubled over the past decade, yet his earnings have not increased proportionally. He explained that the high costs of raw materials and wages leave little profit after expenses are paid.
Artisans generally find work for about 200 to 250 days a year, with the peak season around major festivals like Durga Puja. During the rest of the year, orders are limited. Technology has also changed the industry, with machines now assisting in the creation of smaller idols, reducing the need for hand-crafted work. While technology has made some processes faster, Ratan feels that the personal touch is being lost.
Boloy Pal, another artisan, faces challenges beyond technology and rising costs. At 58, he has continued a five-generation family tradition of idol making. However, the future is uncertain as his children pursue education abroad and show no interest in the profession. Boloy expressed concern about the lack of respect and financial support for idol makers, which discourages younger generations from joining the trade.
Despite the challenges, Durga Puja remains a crucial time for artisans like Ratan and Boloy, bringing a temporary surge in activity amid ongoing uncertainty in the profession.