Sikkim disaster casts a shadow on clay idol artisans of Kumartuli, Siliguri

Siliguri: The Sikkim disaster has cast a shadow on the clay idol artisans of Kumartuli, Siliguri. Just a few days ahead of Durga Puja, almost 80 per cent of orders from Sikkim for Durga Puja idols from Kumartili, Siliguri, have been cancelled. With NH10 closed owing to the extensive damages in the flash flood, double transportation costs are being dished out to send the idols to Sikkim through the alternative route.

“Many idols were booked from Sikkim every year before Durga Puja. This year, too, we got many orders but due to the Sikkim flash floods, 80 per cent of the orders have been cancelled. We are in trouble,” said Narayan Bhattacharya, an artist from Kumartuli, Siliguri.

The artisans had initially got a good number of orders from both the plains and the Hills for Durga idols a few months ago. Accordingly, they started sculpting idols.

Despite continuous rain in Siliguri, artisans continued making the idols indoors. However, after the devastation triggered by the flash flood on the river Teesta, many orders were cancelled. Many Puja committees, especially in Sikkim, decided not to observe Durga Puja this year.

Many who have sent the idols to Sikkim have to pay double the amount for the alternative Siliguri-Sikkim route. As a result, there is a hike in fare. On the other hand, the prices of clay and other materials used for making idols has increased which has hiked the cost of production this year.

Dipesh Paul, artist, said: “I have received a total of 20 orders from different places in Sikkim and the Bengal hills out of which 16 have been cancelled. We have no choice but to deal with this situation.” Around 100 idols go to the Hills, including Sikkim from Siliguri Kumartuli every year.

Meanwhile, the Phulpati procession to be organised in Darjeeling on October 21 by the Information and Cultural Affairs department of the GTA has been cancelled owing to the recent tragedy in Sikkim and the Hills of Bengal.

On the seventh day of Durga Puja, Goddess Durga is prayed to in the form of nature represented by flowers and leaves.

Anit Thapa, Chief Executive, GTA had appealed to the masses to scale down the Phulpati commemorations owing to the tragedy.