Avik Chakraborty
DIBRUGARH, SEP 26: After a damp Durga Puja celebrations for last two years due to Covid-19 pandemic, the idol makers are again back in business in Assam.
Last two years, the idol makers have faced lots of problem to run their families because of the Covid-19, which had hit hard their business.
Among them, Rampada Shit(34) idol maker have faced lots of problem to run his family. Rampada is now busy in making idol in upper Assam Dibrugarh.
Rampada hails from Midnapore district of West Bengal, this year he has got contract to making three idols of big budget Puja in Dibrugarh.
Talking to the correspondent Rampada said, “This year we have got contract of making three idols in Dibrugarh. Last two year, our business was hit hard due to the Covid-19, and I have faced lots of difficulties to run my family. I have to sale vegetables and fish to run my family.”
“I am happy that all restrictions of Covid-19 has been lifted and this year we again back in business and Durga Puja will be celebrate in a bigger way. For last two month, a five member team has come over from Midnapore to make Durga idol in Dibrugarh. Our team has been working day and night to finish the work on time. Till date, we have finished the order of Mitra Sanga Puja,” Rampada said.
He further said, “All the materials used in Durga idol were brought from Kolkata. The materials cost has been increased in the last two years. Many big budget puja committees have curtailed their budget due to the price rise and Covid-19 pandemic which has affected the everyone.”
Meanwhile, the idol makers of Dibrugarh are also back in business and busy in making idols.
Uttam Paul, an idol maker of Dibrugarh said, “Last two years, we have faced huge losses because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected our business but this year our business has again back and we have got contract of making Durga idol. This year we are making 15-20 idols. The cost of materials has been shot up compare two previous years. But, we are happy that people are organising Puja this time without any restrictions.”