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Nagpur Artisans Crafting Durga Idols at Warp Speed
4 Oct
Summary
- Over 140 traditional idol makers are crafting Durga idols.
- More than 2,000 idols, 3ft to 10ft, will be produced.
- Demand for cheaper Plaster of Paris idols is increasing.
With Navratri just days away, a festive atmosphere has enveloped Nagpur as preparations for Goddess Durga's arrival intensify. Local artisans are working day and night in workshops across the city to complete the idols on time. Veteran sculptor Suresh Pathak notes that over 140 traditional idol-makers are currently engaged in this craft.
Centuries-old traditions of idol-making are being upheld in Nagpur's central areas, with prominent hubs including Chitar Oli and Lalganj. This year, artisans are preparing over 2,000 idols, ranging from 3 to 10 feet in height, for various Navratri mandals.
Concurrently, there has been a noticeable rise in the demand for cheaper and visually appealing Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols. This trend has led to an increased import of PoP idols from outside the city, consequently boosting their presence in the local market.
