Henna Rakheja and Ruchika Garg
The fashion designers of the country may seek inspiration from the West, but when it comes to artisans, who make Durga idols, the choice remains highly ‘desi’. From Benarsi to Rajasthani, the themes are inspired by the ‘Make in India’ concept. “These Durga idols are made keeping in mind the Rajasthani theme,” says 20-year-old artisan Raghunath Pal. The one he points out has a balloon-shaped gown around the waist, which will eventually be painted to look like a fine Rajasthani ghagra. “This will be painted in bronze color,” says Pal. He adds, that the themes are decided by different committees, “We’ve to create idols as demanded by the puja organizers.” Inside the dimly lit makeshift stalls, at Chittaranjan Park’s Kali Bari Mandir, there are several idols being made for not just Durga Puja but even for Kali Puja (which is held on Diwali).
