Ranchi Artisans Face Financial Strain Before Saraswati Puja
Ranchi prepares for Saraswati Puja on January 23 with growing enthusiasm. However, local artisans voice serious concerns about their business prospects. Rising prices of essential materials threaten their traditional craft.
Soaring Costs Squeeze Profit Margins
Artisans report significant increases in the cost of colors, paints, and decorative materials. These rising expenses directly impact their production budgets. Manoj Lal, a sculptor working at Kumhartoli, explains the difficult situation.
"Production costs have increased substantially this year," says Lal. "We face higher material prices and more intensive labor requirements. Yet idol prices have not risen proportionally. This situation severely affects our profit margins."
Despite these financial challenges, Lal confirms that public enthusiasm for Saraswati Puja remains strong. The festival spirit continues to drive demand for traditional idols.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Modern Challenges
Sculptors follow time-honored techniques to create their idols. They use clay and paddy straw as primary materials. These natural elements receive structural support from bamboo and wooden frameworks.
The finished idols display impressive size variation:
- Heights range from two feet to nine feet
- Prices vary between Rs 1,500 and Rs 10,000
- Final cost depends on size and craftsmanship quality
Artisan Pramod Prajapati provides updates on current production status. "Devotees and festival committees have already placed their orders," he states. "We have prepared more than 150 idols so far. Our sculptors work diligently to complete final shaping within the stipulated time. We remain fully committed to meeting the growing demand."
Early Planning Ensures Smooth Celebrations
Local institutions and families demonstrate foresight in their festival preparations. Supriya Tiwari, director of a playschool, shares her planning strategy.
"We booked our idol nearly one month in advance," explains Tiwari. "This early planning helps us avoid last-minute rush situations. It ensures smooth arrangements for our school celebrations. Early booking also allowed us to secure our preferred design and size."
This proactive approach reflects broader community efforts to maintain tradition despite economic pressures. Ranchi residents balance their devotion with practical considerations as Saraswati Puja approaches.
