Odisha gears up for Ganesh Puja: Artisans in Cuttack work day and night to craft stunning idols

A few days from now, devotees will celebrate the festival of 'Vighna Vinashak' Shri Ganesh. With the occasion approaching, Odisha is buzzing with activities. 

As per reports, preparations for decorative gates have already begun, and idol-making is also progressing rapidly. At Banki area in Cuttack, artisans are working tirelessly, leaving no room for rest. They are determined to complete the idols before the puja, working day and night without pause.

As the worship of the revered deity draws near, artisans have no time to spare. They are making beautiful idols of Lord Ganesh with great dedication. While the finishing touches are now underway, once the clay idols have dried properly, the painting work will begin. Excitement runs high in Kumhar Sahi, where skilled craftsmen have created strikingly detailed idols.

Responding to customer demand, both men and women are engaged in the idol-making process. This year, a 10-foot-tall idol has emerged as the star attraction. 

"There are some good artisans at Godisahi. Our forefathers have learnt the art from Cuttack. People from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Athgarh are coming here to buy Ganesh idols," said Deepan Behera. an artisan.

"I have got married for the last 30-35 years and I have seen the work continuing since then. The work starts before Raja festival. We have to buy raw materials like soil, wood, straw and rope for idol making," said Tikina Behera, another artisan.

Whenever festivals arrive, the artisans of Banki Godisahi immerse themselves in their craft. Known for their exceptional skills, they enjoy a great reputation in the surrounding regions. However, the growing scarcity of raw materials has become a pressing challenge for them.

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"We start idol making after Raja. At first we fixed the wood and then start idol making with straws and other raw materials," said Basanta Behera, an artisan.

"We buy Ganesh idols from here every year. Artisans make beautiful idols here. We have been buying idols for the last four years. We had bought a Ganesh idol of 10-12 ft tall last year," said Kanhu Sahu, a customer.