With Vishwakarma Puja scheduled to be observed on September 18, preparations are underway across Tripura, with potters in Agartala working overtime to meet the demand for idols of Lord Vishwakarma.
The potters of the Battala area are currently busy giving final touches to idols of the deity in various sizes and designs. From small idols for household worship to larger ones for community celebrations, artisans are preparing idols according to customers’ requirements.
However, despite the increased activity ahead of the festival, potters say sales have declined compared to previous years, raising concerns about their livelihood.
According to the artisans, the cost of idol-making has increased significantly as several raw materials and other supplies have to be procured from outside the state. Higher transportation costs have further pushed up production expenses. At the same time, weak market demand and lower sales have made it increasingly difficult for them to sustain the traditional occupation.
“Business is not like it used to be. Still, we have no option but to continue this work, as our livelihood depends on it. No matter how difficult the situation becomes, we have to keep working,” a potter said.
With Vishwakarma Puja approaching, the artisans are hopeful that sales will pick up during the final one or two days before the festival. They expect an increase in customer footfall during the last-minute buying rush, which could help them recover at least part of their losses.
However, rising raw material prices, higher transportation costs and declining demand have left many artisans worried about the future of the traditional pottery and idol-making profession in Tripura. They have appealed to the government and concerned departments to provide necessary support and assistance to help sustain and promote the state’s traditional pottery craft.
