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Artistes and idol makers from across the country meticulously prepare Durga idols to keep up with the increasing demand. 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 beauty and warfare; and Ganesh, ‘siddhidata’ or the god of auspicious beginning of everything good. However, some Durga idols may have 30 to 35 o
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