Varanasi — With only 10 days remaining until Navaratri, preparations for Durga Puja are in full swing in Kashi. This year, Durga idols crafted in Varanasi will not only grace pandals across Purvanchal but also travel to Odisha and Lucknow. A total of 64 idols of various deities, including Durga, are set to be dispatched outside the city, including the traditional “Banglachal” style idols.
Varanasi, often referred to as ‘Mini Bengal,’ is buzzing with activity as Durga Puja preparations enter their final phase. The idols are being created based on various themes, such as Operation Sindoor and environmental conservation.
Renowned sculptor Abhijit Biswas confirmed that orders have been received from outside the region, including the Kalahandi district of Odisha, where eight idols, including a Banglachal-style Durga, will be sent. Lucknow will also receive 32 idols, including a Banglachal statue, continuing a six-year tradition.
In Purvanchal, 40 idols are being prepared for districts like Mirzapur, Bhadohi, and Jaunpur. Biswas explained that a typical set of idols includes Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, Kartikeya, a lion, and a demon.
The idol-making work is underway in areas like Khojwa, Devnathpura, Shivpur, and Akhari Bypass, with sculptors from West Bengal working tirelessly to perfect the idols. More than 500 Durga idols are expected to be installed in the district this year.
In addition to traditional representations, sculptors are also creating idols based on modern themes. Biswas noted that puja committees are increasingly requesting unique themes, leading to a rise in sculptures depicting themes like ‘Peace Message,’ ‘Operation Sindoor,’ ‘anti-terrorism,’ ‘environmental protection,’ and ‘women’s empowerment.’ This year’s idols will also feature a unique blend of patriotism and women’s empowerment.
