The idol makers of Dhanbad face livelihood problems due to poor demand of idols for the upcoming festival season. The restrictions imposed by the Government not only have impacted them but the allied business too.
Dulal Paul, a well-known name in making quality idols besides shaping them as per clients demand said ,"Till now he has just 25 confirmed bookings of idols of Goddess Durga though puja is just a month away from now".
Recalling last year's sale he said ,"In 2019 had sold out 120 idols of the Mother Goddess and other deities. Those used to huge idols ranging from 12 to fifteen feet in height".
Unfortunately, this year besides low booking the height too has been reduced.
Paul , having his factory -cum- outlet behind the SSLNT women's College said ,all those who have booked have asked to maintain height in-between 4 to 5feet. Earlier there used to be demand from Bihar and West Bengal too but this year no one from either state has come for booking till date.
Recalling the poor sale of Idols of Lord Vishwakarma who is worshiped on September 17 Dulal said ,the demand is poor and till now just35 idols have been sold .
Paul said ,since the outbreak of pandemic the work force of the 20 that are regular workers are being paid and fed despite no work since the last six months. All are from outside Dhanbad but were asked to stay back keeping in view of the pandemic.