From the archive record
Devotees load Durga idol in a mini truck as they buy it for Durga Puja in Delhi. Artisans from different places are busy in making idols for the festival around the clock in around shops. These workshops would be supplying idols to the puja mandaps of the country. Artisans say they bring the earth, the essential element to form the goddess’s image, from the Karnaphuli river. An armature made with timber and straw is then layered with mud to give a rough shape. Then another layer of mud is applied on and the work is finalized with intricate and exquisite details. The idols are then dried in the sun. Finally paint, dress, and ornaments complete the idols. Generally four of Durga’s offspring surround her. They are Lakshmi, goddess of wealth; Saraswati, goddess of knowledge; Kartik, god of be