Siliguri, Sept. 13 -- A shortage of clay and rising prices of raw materials have affected artisans in Siliguri, resulting in artisans at the city's Kumartuli producing significantly fewer Ganesh idols this year compared to previous years. Artisans fear that if the situation continues, they could face major difficulties and financial losses during the upcoming Durga Puja.

The number of Ganesh Pujas has grown increasingly in Siliguri over the past few years, with clubs organising theme pujas alongside household worship. As a result, Kumartuli's artisans usually receive orders for a large number of idols in different sizes and designs. However, the availability of clay has declined considerably this year, creating major problems.

Artisans said government restrictions on extracting soil from rivers in several areas, following concerns over illegal mining, have affected the supply. At the same time, rising prices of petrol, diesel and other materials have made transporting clay from outside more expensive. Artisan Dipankar Paul said the prices of almost all raw materials, including clay, bamboo, jute rope, cloth, paint and decorative items, have increased. However, artisans are unable to proportionately increase the prices of idols due to the fear of losing customers.

"Even when we sell idols at the old prices, recovering the cost has become difficult, let alone making a profit," Paul said.

He added that while most Durga Puja orders usually arrive by this time of the year, the number of orders received so far has fallen by more than 10 compared to last year. "Even if we receive orders, the shortage of clay makes us worried about how we will make the idols," he said.

Artisans also claimed that some clubs have received less or no financial assistance this year, forcing them to scale down Ganesh Puja celebrations and opt for simpler arrangements instead of elaborate themes.

Another artisan, Shubhankar Paul, said: "Orders from the hills, including Darjeeling and Sikkim, have declined."

Meanwhile, Royal Sporting Club in Sukantapally has commissioned a 9.5-foot-tall and six-feet-wide Ganesh idol modelled on the looks of Lord Jagannath. The idol, made by Dipankar Paul, has been priced at Rs 25,000, although the artisan said it should ideally cost nearly twice as much.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.