Durga idol making becomes costlier
Durga idol making becomes costlier
High price of raw materials used for making idols coupled with other costs is badly affecting preparations of Durga Puja in the district, only two weeks ahead of the largest festival of Hindu community.
"Prices of wood, bamboo, straw, paints, cloths and other materials used for making the idols have gone up sharply.
“On an average, cost of the raw materials has increased by 30 to 40 percent compared to the last year's”, said Khudiram Pal, president of Maa Shankari Kali Mandir of Jhankar Sangha at Guripara in the district town.
During this time every year, the country's Hindu community with a festive mood prepares to welcome goddess Durga and celebrate the occasion.
Ahead of the biggest festival of the Bangali Hindus, idol makers are now busy day and night to make sure that they can complete the job in time.
Ashish Kumar Sinha could hardly sleep during the last few days as he had been too busy to complete the work orders. He is making four idols this year, two of Monakasha union in Shibganj upazila, one of Chapainawabganj town of the district including one in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi district.
"I am not expecting a good profit this year because of high labourer costs. Four people are working with me on daily wage basis," he said.
Another idol maker Labu Pal of Baroghoria in Sadar upazila said, their business this year was suffering due to increased cost of raw materials and related items.
Mohit Kumar Da, president of Chapainawabganj unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad said that this year 122 mandops were being readied for Durga Puja in the district. However, high costs are badly affecting the preparations for the festival, he added.