SOCIETY

Idol-makers in Kolkata bear the brunt of inflation
by Ajitha Menon

     Kolkata: With the five-day long 'Durga Puja' approaching, the joy of festivities this year is not upbeat as inflation has increased the cost of idols. The Durga idol makers in West Bengal feel the pinch as they experience a slowdown in their business in the wake of inflation that restricts devotees from organizing prayers on a large scale. The price hike of various commodities has resulted in lesser demands on the theme-based idols, which are costlier than the traditional idols. People are trying to economise expenses in holding community pujas, which require a high budget. The high interest rates of the bank loans add to the woes of these artisans who find it tough to make their ends meet. The result is that the artisans feel threatened and anticipate a further downfall in their business in the near future.

     "We are not able to bear the economic burden this year. We are running this business after taking loan from banks and moneylenders. The business is not reaping us any profit and it is difficult to make our ends meet. You will see that the business would stop in the near future," said Rudrajit Pal, an artisan. Sapan Kumar Das, another artisan thinks on the same lines and is worried that inflation might cause further drop in his business. "The reason for less orders this year is inflation. The sky-high prices of the articles don't fit in the budget of the organizers. What worries us most is what will happen in the future if orders keep falling in the same manner," said Sapan Kumar Das.

     Durga Puja is one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated in India. But, the rising inflation may continue to dent the appetite of the devotees who crave for lavishly decorated pandals. India has been witnessing a serious economic situation because of the inflation, which has remained well above the 12 per cent mark for the past few months.
-Sept 19, 2008    

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