Recession hits Durga idol demand abroad

Kolkata: With the global recession on, potters received fewer orders for Durga idols from Bengalis abroad.

"Last year Kumartuli sent 46 idols. This year it has dropped to 34," idol maker Babu Pal, secretary of the Kumartuli Mritshilpa Sanskriti Samity, an association of idol makers.

"I usually send six to seven idols. But for the last two years our business is suffering. This year I have sent only four idols."

The idols are exported to Britain, the US, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa and Indonesia.

Orders can be placed on the artistes' personal websites.The prices for Durga idols along with accompanying images range between Rs.5,000 and Rs.150,000.

Till four years ago, the artisans used to send earthen idols abroad but now they send fibre glass idols.

"This has also to some extent affected our business as these idols are long lasting our non-resident Bengali clients will not require to change idols fast," another artisan said.

OneIndia News