2 days ago
Bengal Urged to Better Support Durga Puja Idolmakers
Durga Puja brings a lot of visitors and business to Bengal.
The people who make the idols are an important part of the festival.
But the article says many idolmakers have unsafe or uncomfortable workplaces and cannot count on steady jobs or pay.
Studio owners and Puja committees also have problems, including seasonal work and rising costs.
The writer says artisans should have better studios, job security, insurance and retirement benefits.
They could also teach their skills and make different kinds of art throughout the year.
Visitors could watch them work and travel between craft centres.
The article asks whether artisans could form businesses that they own and run together.
It warns that without support, these skills may disappear.
Durga Puja generated an estimated Rs 65,000 crore in Bengal last year, with Calcutta accounting for 65%-70% of the business.
The article says idolmakers face poor working conditions, uncertain work and wages, and limited support in disputes or accidents.
Studio owners and Puja committees also face challenges, including seasonal uncertainty, regulations, rising costs and disrupted fundraising.
The writer proposes year-round studios, job security and benefits, skills training, new craft products, and live demonstrations for tourists.
The article suggests creating artisan-run business groups and studio hubs linked by tourism trips across Bengal.
- Who
- Idolmakers and artisans, along with studio owners and Puja committees in Bengal.
- What
- An opinion article calls for better support and a more organized Durga Puja artisan sector.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Calcutta and other towns mentioned in the article.
- When
- The article refers to last year's Puja business and UNESCO's 2021 recognition of Durga Puja.
- Why
- The writer says artisans face insecure work and poor conditions, putting their skills and craft at risk.
Key facts
- Estimated Puja turnover
- Rs 65,000 crore in Bengal last year
- Community Pujas
- More than 40,000 across the state; about 3,000 are described as organised
- Calcutta's share
- 65%-70% of the total business, according to the article
- Tourism
- Bengal attracts over 3.1 million visitors annually from the United States, Europe, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, the article says
- UNESCO recognition
- Durga Puja was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2021
- Proposed support
- Year-round studios, secure jobs, benefits, training, new craft products and tourist demonstrations
- Suggested model
- The article asks whether artisans could use a farmer-producer-company-style business model
Sources
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