Silchar Idol Makers Struggle Amid Incessant Rainfall, Turn to Innovative Methods to Dry Idols

As Durga Puja approaches, idol makers in Silchar are facing severe challenges due to continuous rainfall over the past week. The persistent downpour has hindered the drying process of the clay idols, essential for finishing touches and painting. With only days left before the start of the festivities, artisans are resorting to unconventional methods to meet their deadlines.

On Purna Paul Road in Bilpar, several idol makers have turned to LPG flame guns, heaters, and blue lamps in a desperate attempt to dry the Durga idols in time. “The rainfall has been incessant for the last week, and it’s not allowing the idols to dry properly,” shared Satyabrata Paul, a local idol maker. “We covered the idols under tarpaulin, but the next day, they were all wet. Now we are repairing them and using heat to dry them. Only when they are fully dry can we finish the painting.”

The looming festival has left artisans working around the clock. “My deliveries are supposed to start from Panchami, and we are racing against time. We will have to cover the idols with polythene packets to deliver them safely,” said the artisan, adding that heaters are being used continuously in an effort to dry the idols.

Despite these innovative measures, many artisans remain uncertain about completing the work on time. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the rainfall is expected to continue during the festival days in the three districts of Barak Valley, raising further concerns about the timely completion and transportation of the idols.

Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in the region, is just a few days away, and the idol makers are determined to overcome the weather-induced obstacles. However, the challenge remains monumental as the artisans struggle to balance time, drying conditions, and the quality of their intricate creations.