Idol makers of Dima Hasao hit hard by COVID pandemic

HAFLONG: Though there are only few idol makers in Dima Hasao, they failed to get support from any end during this pandemic. The idol makers of Dima Hasao basically make clay idols round the year and maintain their families with the income generated from selling the idols. But this year, due to the pandemic these idol makers are facing a lot of problems as most of the festivals were restricted or cancelled.

Amulya Paul, an artisan of Haflong, who usually makes as many as seven idol sets, this year received order for only one set. He has to take care of four persons in his family by selling the idols, due to lockdown he has become total bankrupt. It would have been good enough if any organisation found time to extend their support in the time of crisis. Now we are the mercy of the customer who can buy our idols.

Krishna Paul, another artisan of Haflong, said that due to the lockdown, most of the puja committees have curtailed their puja budget. "This year I have received order for only seven sets of very low-budget idols whereas the previous year I had to make as many as 50 sets apart from round-the-year idols. The sudden increase in the rate of materials used in idol making is also a concern. I have to take care of five persons in my family, including my old mother. This pandemic has left us nowhere. I also thought of taking loan but how will I repay the load?" he lamented.