Patna: Preparations for Saraswati Puja have gained momentum across Bihar as the festival is set to be celebrated on 23 January. In Patna, the atmosphere is festive, with streets and open spaces turning into busy centres of idol-making and sales. This year, idols crafted by artists from Rajasthan have become especially popular among devotees. Available in different sizes and bright colours, these idols are catching the attention of families, students and organisers of community pandals.
In many parts of the city, including Nehru Path, Gol Road, Anisabad and Saguna Mor, temporary sheds have been set up where sculptors are working throughout the day. These artists, who travel from Rajasthan every year during the festival season, are known for their fine craftsmanship. Along with traditional clay idols, many of them are also making idols using Plaster of Paris. People are showing interest in these idols because they look attractive, are lightweight and are easy to carry home.
Sharda, a sculptor from Rajasthan, says buyers are visiting from not only Patna but also nearby districts. She explains that smaller idols are affordable for most households, while bigger idols meant for schools and puja committees cost more depending on size and design. According to her, medium-sized idols are priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500, while larger and more detailed idols can cost up to Rs 8,000. “People appreciate the colours and finishing of our idols,” she says, adding that demand increases sharply as the festival date approaches.
Another sculptor, Bhima, explains that idols made from Plaster of Paris can be prepared faster than clay idols. Using moulds, one idol can be made in about 15 to 30 minutes, and several idols can be completed in a single day. He says buyers come from rural areas around Patna as well as from places like Hajipur, Vaishali and Jehanabad. For many artisans, Saraswati Puja is an important source of income, though rising prices of raw materials and paints have made their work more expensive.
Despite the strong demand, concerns remain about the environmental impact of Plaster of Paris idols. Experts have warned that POP idols take a long time to dissolve after immersion and can pollute water bodies. While devotees focus on celebrating the festival with devotion and joy, the issue of choosing eco-friendly idols continues to be discussed, highlighting the need to balance tradition with environmental responsibility.
