Artisans are using natural colours to decorate the goddess idols, so that they can be immersed easily without polluting water bodies or leaving behind non-biodegradable waste. Prayagraj: This Durga Puja , goddess Durga idols will be decked in ornate attire, but with a difference — the sarees, jewellery and weapons will be painted directly on the clay figures instead of using separate materials.
Akash Bhattacharya, an idol-maker based in Tagore Town, said several prominent ‘barwaris’ had placed orders for elaborate idols of Goddess Durga, accompanied by Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya and demon Mahishasur. He said the committees had specifically asked for eco-friendly idols, with particular attention to the materials used in decoration. Sachin Keserwani, a member of the century-old Attarsuiya barwari, said the approach would allow the idols to be immersed with their decorative details intact, eliminating the need to remove garments and ornaments beforehand. “By replacing physical decorations with intricate painted designs and natural colours, artisans are seeking to preserve the visual splendour of Durga Puja while ensuring that the idols remain as environment-friendly as possible,” said Umesh Mathur, president of new Baiharana ‘barwari’.