God’s idols are being prepared for Dashain in Nepalgunj

By Our Correspondent,Nepalgunj, Oct. 14: Over the last month, Chhotu Kewat and his brother Suraj Kewat, residents of Mahendra Park in Ward Number 8, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, have experienced a notable shift in their daily routine.

The duo has been tirelessly crafting statues of Durga Bhawani, which the locals install during Bijayadashami.

In the Terai districts, including Banke, there is a custom of offering worship to Durga Bhawani by installing their statues in public places.  

The locals place her idols in city squares and village centres on Duitya, the second day of Dashain.

Following the celebrations, these idols are ceremoniously immersed in local rivers and streams the day after Dashain Tika. Chhotu, who has been creating Durga Bhawani idols for almost eight years, mentioned that they have also crafted statues of Lord Ganesha and other deities.

 Emphasising eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of their occupation, Chhotu remarked, "As we use materials like clay and straw, these idols are quite affordable to produce."

 Despite their relentless hard work, Chhotu and his brother sell these idols at reasonable prices. Although they craft statues in a range of sizes, the bigger ones can fetch as much as Rs. 18,000.

The individuals who establish idols at various locations have been following prior guidelines for their preparation. Similar idols are also being set up at the traffic intersection in Nepalgunj and other parts of the district.