Migrant Indians enjoy monopoly in idol business

By Our Correspondent,Urlabari, Jan. 8: According to government statistics, around 1,500 Nepalis leave the country every day due to lack of employment opportunities. In contrast, Indian citizens who enter Nepal through the open border earn more than Rs. 100,000 after working for three months and then return to their country.

Whether it is the Phulghoda used in the Siruwa Fair during the New Year or the clay idols used in Bishwakarma Puja and Saraswati Puja, Indians come to Nepal to carry out both of these jobs and stay for about three months. During their stay, they make artistic idols using straw, clay and bamboo while living in villages across Nepal.

Kamalananda Pandit from Araria, India, who arrived in Nepal in mid-November to make idols for Saraswati Puja, said he would remain in Nepal for three months. He explained that their ancestral profession involves creating attractive statues by tying straw with rope, shaping the hands, feet and body, coating the structure with clay, drying it in the sun, and finally painting it in various colours.

The Kumal (Pandit) community, which has survived for generations by making clay vessels such as jars, pots, lamps and coal pots, is now increasingly engaged in idol-making, as traditional clay utensils are no longer widely used by people.

Earlier, pottery was a year-round business, while idol-making was seasonal. He said that well-crafted idols are sold at prices ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 7,000 per piece.

Kamalananda Pandit has been involved in this profession for the past 40 years. According to him, working in Nepal has become a reliable source of income, and this skill has helped him support his family. Many artisans like him return to India after earning between Rs. 80,000 and Rs. 100,000 within a three-month period.

Schools from the Tarai to the hills celebrate Saraswati Puja on a grand scale. During this period, the artisans earn money by selling their creations. 

Shivnath Pandit, who comes from Motiyari village in Bihar’s Kishangunj district, said, “Earlier, we used to come in bullock carts. Now we come on motorcycles.” He added that with a thick bamboo pole, a bundle of straw and a piece of rope, an idol worth up to Rs. 20,000 can be made.

Shivnath, who arrived with his family members, said that earlier Nepali potters also made and sold clay idols, creating competition. “Now, many Nepalis have gone abroad for employment. As a result, Indians have established a monopoly in the idol business,” he said.