KOLKATA: The god of luck and prosperity is scripting an economic turnaround for Kumartuli idol makers. After two years of pandemic, Ganesh idol orders in Kumartuli surged by at least 25% this time. The idol makers are expecting more business as the festival is due to be celebrated on August 31.
Lord Ganesha, who earlier only played a cameo during Durga Puja, has now made a permanent entry into the city's festive calendar, owing to a combination of social, political and economic factors.
Ganesh Puja will kick off this year's festive season, scripting a financial turnaround for idol makers followed by Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Laxmi Puja.
For the last two years several organisers curtailed or cancelled celebrations due to safety guidelines and funds crunch. "Orders for Ganesh idols had almost dried up during pandemic as many organisers cancelled due of lack of funds. Even businesses were not doing well. But the trend picked up this year as we have already received several orders," said Mala Pal, a potter at Kumartuli.
According to an association of porters, this year the orders for Ganesh idols have gone up by 25% already. "There is still one month to go. Several families and businessmen organise puja at a very small scale. They come to get the idols in the last two weeks. We are expecting the numbers to surge," said Biplab Pal of Kumartuli Mritshilpi Sanskritik Samity.
In the last decade there has been a rise in the number of entrepreneurs in the state, with people from different states coming to work in Kolkata.
This has given rise to the number of Ganesh Pujas, which were earlier limited to areas of Burrabazar, Kankurgachi, VIP Road and northern suburbs of the city. Just before the pandemic there were more than 1,200 Ganesh Pujas in Kolkata and the suburbs.
"For last two years celebrations were muted but this year the situation is comparatively better. We will follow all rituals this year," said a representative of Salt Lake Maitri Sangha. Several politicians who do not have the funds for Durga Puja have started Ganesh Puja to mobilise cadres.
