With Durga Puja just weeks away, preparations are gathering pace in Kalyanpur along with other parts of Tripura. But for the traditional clay idol makers who bring the festival’s deities to life, the season is marked by growing uncertainty, rising costs and shrinking margins.

For veteran Kalyanpur-based artisan Bhuban Rudrapal, idol-making has been a way of life for years. Yet, increasing prices of raw materials, higher labour costs, a shortage of skilled artisans and declining demand have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the traditional craft.

Rudrapal, a resident of Kalyanpur Bazar Colony, took up idol-making after initially working as a fish vendor. Nearly two decades ago, he used to travel through tribal-dominated areas selling fish to support his family. As the income proved insufficient, he learned the art of making clay idols from his brother-in-law.

What began as a new livelihood gradually developed into a deep connection with clay. He eventually gave up fish vending and devoted himself entirely to idol-making.

“I learned the craft of making idols from clay from my brother-in-law while continuing to sell fish. Later, I left fish vending and took up idol-making full-time. I would make idols at home according to my own designs,” Rudrapal said.

There was a time when his creations were in considerable demand. Over the years, he has made idols of various deities, including Manasa, Kali, Vishwakarma, Loknath, Bipadnashini, Durga and Lakshmi. People from nearby areas would visit his home in Kalyanpur Bazar Colony to place orders, providing him with a steady source of income.

However, the economics of the craft have changed considerably.

The prices of essential materials such as clay, straw, bamboo and paint have increased, while labour costs have also gone up. At the same time, finding skilled workers has become increasingly difficult, adding to the pressure on traditional artisans.

“Compared to earlier, the cost of raw materials has increased significantly. Labour expenses have also gone up. The biggest problem is that it has become difficult to find skilled workers. After meeting all the expenses, there is very little profit left from making an idol,” Rudrapal said.

The COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated the situation. With Puja celebrations restricted during the pandemic, demand for idols declined sharply. Artisans were consequently caught between falling orders and rising production costs.

According to Rudrapal, sustained government support is essential if the traditional pottery and idol-making industry is to survive. He pointed out that many families are directly or indirectly dependent on the craft, while artisans continue to face difficulties related to raw material procurement, financial assistance, marketing and availability of skilled labour.

Despite these challenges, Rudrapal has not given up.

With Durga Puja approaching, he has already received orders for idols of Maa Durga from different parts of Kalyanpur and several tribal-dominated areas. He is now spending long hours working to complete the orders before the festival.

As costs rise and demand becomes uncertain, the clay artist believes that easier access to raw materials, financial assistance, skill development and better market opportunities could provide the support needed to keep the age-old craft alive.

For now, Rudrapal continues to shape clay with his hands, hoping that the tradition he has devoted his life to will find enough space to survive in a changing marketplace.