Clay idol makers in pressure with Saraswati Pooja around corner

By Sudha Deo, Saptari, Jan 7: Prabhu Mandal, 40, from Vishnupur Rural Municipality-5 in Saptari, is currently under immense pressure to complete clay idols for the upcoming festival.

The rush gets intensified with each passing day as Saraswati Pooja is around the corner. For the past 15 days, he has been devoted every day to crafting idols.

Statue maker, Prabhu Mandal currently works in Rajbiraj -7 in front of the Shiva Temple. Despite the seasonal surge in orders, he earns his livelihood from idol-making throughout the year. He said, “I support a family of six solely by making clay idols.”

He learned the art of clay idol-making in Siliguri, India, two decades ago and has continued this craft ever since to sustain his livelihood.

He stated that Madhesh, a region rich in cultural festivals, keeps him constantly occupied with idol-making. He said he creates clay idols for festivals including Vijayadashami, Diwali, Chhath, Saraswati Pooja, Vishwakarma Pooja, Ram Navami, Chaite - Dashain, and Krishna Ashtami.

During major festivals like Dashain, Diwali, Krishna Ashtami, and Chaite - Dashain, he travels to homes and temples to make idols as per orders, charging between Rs. 35,000 and 50,000 per location.

His assistant, Ramlal Mandal, said the two of them complete idol-making for up to ten locations per festival.

He earns Rs, 400,000 to 500,000 per season by making idols for homes and temples.

He earns roughly Rs. 200,000 to 300,000 from Saraswati Pooja orders alone.

This year, he has made 100 idols for Saraswati Pooja, selling each for between Rs.2,500 and 10,000.

He added that four of the idols cost the maximum price of Rs. 10,000 each. The price depends on the idol’s size and design.

He said most buyers provide advance payments for the idols.

When asked what he does with unsold idols, he said, “I perform a ritual and then immerse them.”

He stores the clay for making idols from the rivers.

As Saraswati Pooja approaches, dozens of local artists craft and distribute clay idols across Rajbiraj Municipality and other local areas in the district.

Vishnu Pokhrel, a local rights activist from Saptari, stressed the need to honour these hardworking artists and provide support to help them establish their craft professionally.

Local resident Manu Khanal explained that people typically select idols and pay an advance 10–15 days before Saraswati Pooja, with full payment made the day before the festival when the idols are delivered to the pooja venue.

Across Madhesh and the district, communities, schools, and households collectively fund and celebrate Saraswati Pooja with grandeur.