Rain Drenches Idol Makers' Dreams: Ganesh Puja Orders at Risk

Idol makers in Kolkata's Kumartuli are facing significant challenges as persistent rain and delayed supplies hamper the creation of Ganesh Puja idols. The critical period for drying clay structures is being disrupted by frequent downpours, increasing the risk of moisture damage. Artisans are resorting to electric fans, but these are no substitute for traditional sun-drying, potentially affecting the painting and accessory stages.

The weather has also made sculpting more labor-intensive, stretching tasks that would normally take hours into days. To compensate, workshop owners are hiring additional workers and paying them nearly 50% more for overtime. This is compounded by an earlier shortage of clay due to restrictions on riverbank soil mining, which stalled production for over a month. The cost of essential raw materials like river clay and jute twine has also risen sharply, further increasing production expenses.