Artists busy crafting idols of goddess Saraswati

By Sanjay Kumar Mishra

Gaur, Jan. 14: As Saraswati Puja approaches, sculptors in Rautahat are busy with the task of making Saraswati idols.

Educational institutions such as public and private schools, colleges and students are preparing to set up idols on their premises or at homes for worship, leading to heightened activity among sculptors.

To earn a good income and promote their business, local artisans are dedicated to making goddess Saraswati idols. Since the idols are an essential part of Saraswati worship, artists across the district are engaged in crafting these statues.

Sculptors have reported that a Saraswati idol typically sells for between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000. Ram Lakhan Sah, a sculptor, said that they earn well by making idols during the one-month Saraswati Puja season each year.

Another artist, Ram Ekwal Sah, said that he has been busy crafting Saraswati idols for the past month. He added that he works from early morning until late at night to meet the demand.

According to the artists, they are currently in the final stages of idol production, with colouring and finishing underway. Sculptor Jitan Sah said that since the idols must be completed and delivered to the respective institutions a day or two before Saraswati Puja, they are working tirelessly.

Local Ananda Khanal explained that it is a tradition in the district, particularly in government and private schools as well as coaching centres, to worship Saraswati idols during the festival. He added that in some places, groups of students also come together to celebrate Saraswati Puja by installing idols.