Sculptors in Janakpur Rush to Complete Saraswati Idols Amidst Cold Wave

Janakpur: With only 15 days remaining for Saraswati Puja, sculptors are extremely busy making idols. Preparations for Saraswati Puja, which is celebrated with great pomp in Dhanusha including Janakpurdham, have already begun. 

Sculptors are seen working day and night to create idols of Goddess Saraswati. Since this is seasonal work, these craftsmen engage in other jobs throughout the year and become busy with idol making as the festival approaches.

This year, however, sculptors are facing significant difficulties. Utim Lal Pandit, a sculptor from Janakpurdham, says that the lack of sunlight has made it difficult to mix the clay and dry the idols. 

He mentions that due to the extreme cold, his hands and feet swell while mixing the mud, making it hard to work. He notes that while bookings for idols have increased compared to last year, bringing better income, the challenges have also grown. He expressed frustration that the idols cannot dry after being shaped because of the overcast weather.

He explained that painting cannot begin until the clay is completely dry. With 40 orders already placed and only 15 days left, he plans to use alternative methods. He says it may be necessary to order equipment that blows hot air to dry the clay, though he notes that doing so will leave him with very little profit. 

Pandit says that sculptors can earn enough in one season to cover their household expenses. Although the income is good, he performs other work during the rest of the year since this is only seasonal. 

He shared that materials account for about 20 percent of an idol's cost, while the rest depends on the labor required over three to five days. He added that while small idols used to sell more in the past, there is now a higher demand for large idols with new designs.