Kolkata: Sales of Saraswati idols in Kumartuli have surged by almost 20% this year, indicating an increase in the number of pujas across the city.
At neighbourhood shops the sales have been brisk with people organizing small scale pujas opting to purchasing the idol from local shops.
Some idol makers said there has also been an increase in prices of the idols due to the rise in prices of the raw materials.
“We have received more orders this year compared to the last three to four years. Demand for idols has been higher by almost 20% this Saraswati Puja. Many people have even bought readymade idols instead of pre ordering them,” said Mala Pal, a woman idol maker in Kumartuli.
“Many small institutes which could not celebrate the festival have started doing it this year. Others have scaled up celebrations and have ordered bigger idols which have led to the rise in demand,” said Bikash Pal, another idol maker in Kumartuli.
The wet spell last month hampered the idol making work, some idol makers said. “It rained and there was hardly any sunlight which slowed down the work for a couple of weeks. Due to the delay, we had to rush to meet the deadline,” said Kartik Pal, secretary of Kumartuli Mritshilpi Sanskritik Samity.
This year both Saraswati Puja and Valentine’s Day will be celebrated on Feb 14. Several youngsters have made separate plans with their partners and friends for both the occasions.
“In the morning we have Saraswati Puja in our college after which I plan to spend time with my friends. We might go for lunch and then to a café for some adda later in the day,” said Ayan Chakraborty, a first-year student in a south Kolkata college.
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At neighbourhood shops the sales have been brisk with people organizing small scale pujas opting to purchasing the idol from local shops.
Some idol makers said there has also been an increase in prices of the idols due to the rise in prices of the raw materials.
“We have received more orders this year compared to the last three to four years. Demand for idols has been higher by almost 20% this Saraswati Puja. Many people have even bought readymade idols instead of pre ordering them,” said Mala Pal, a woman idol maker in Kumartuli.
“Many small institutes which could not celebrate the festival have started doing it this year. Others have scaled up celebrations and have ordered bigger idols which have led to the rise in demand,” said Bikash Pal, another idol maker in Kumartuli.
The wet spell last month hampered the idol making work, some idol makers said. “It rained and there was hardly any sunlight which slowed down the work for a couple of weeks. Due to the delay, we had to rush to meet the deadline,” said Kartik Pal, secretary of Kumartuli Mritshilpi Sanskritik Samity.
This year both Saraswati Puja and Valentine’s Day will be celebrated on Feb 14. Several youngsters have made separate plans with their partners and friends for both the occasions.
“In the morning we have Saraswati Puja in our college after which I plan to spend time with my friends. We might go for lunch and then to a café for some adda later in the day,” said Ayan Chakraborty, a first-year student in a south Kolkata college.
We also published the following articles recently
Sculptors carve diverse Ganesh idols for Maghi festival
The Kandivli Cha Shree Maghi mandal, located in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar West, is preparing for the aagman procession. The young team of Ghatkopar Cha Vighnaharta has been installing a 10 ft idol by Siddhesh Dighole for the past few years. Founder president Shreenath Vemul started the Maghi mandal 13 years ago in Kalyanji Deviji chawl.
The Kandivli Cha Shree Maghi mandal, located in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar West, is preparing for the aagman procession. The young team of Ghatkopar Cha Vighnaharta has been installing a 10 ft idol by Siddhesh Dighole for the past few years. Founder president Shreenath Vemul started the Maghi mandal 13 years ago in Kalyanji Deviji chawl.