Saraswati idol makers busy as Vasant Panchami approaches

KATHMANDU: As Vasant Panchami nears, idol makers in Mahottari are working tirelessly to complete Saraswati idols for the upcoming festival.

The grand Saraswati Puja celebration, set for Monday, has put local artisans in a race against time to refine their creations.

With only four days remaining, idol makers must sell their creations within the next three days.

Many artisans have set a deadline to finish the idols by Sunday. However, this year’s cold weather has slowed the drying process of clay idols, causing delays.

“The idols took longer to dry due to a lack of sunlight in late January. Without proper drying, painting isn’t possible,” said Ramchandra Mahara, an artisan from Bhangaha-4. He added that coloring and finishing touches would begin soon, and devotees would start collecting idols two days before the festival.

The process of idol-making involves crafting a frame using paddy straw and Kans grass, shaping it into Saraswati’s form, coating it with clay, and letting it dry in the sun before painting. Despite beginning work weeks in advance, artisans across the region have faced difficulties due to insufficient sunlight.

Vasant Panchami, also known as Shri Panchami, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the Mithila region, including Mahottari.

Schools and educational institutions organize vibrant Saraswati Puja festivities as part of the centuries-old Maithil tradition.

In Mithila, young children are introduced to writing (Akshararambha) on this auspicious day, making the festival particularly significant.

Many families also perform Saraswati Puja rituals at home, increasing the demand for idols.

“This year, 25 schools have placed orders for Saraswati idols, and additional sales are expected,” said Kailash Mahara from Aurahi-2, Phulbariya. He noted that the demand for Ganesh idols also rises, as Hindu tradition mandates his presence in all religious ceremonies. “Every buyer takes at least two idols—one for Saraswati and one for Ganesh,” he added.

The sale of idols during major festivals like Krishna Janmashtami, Vishwakarma Puja, Dashain’s Durga Puja, and Vasant Panchami sustains many idol makers. Dinesh Mahara, another artisan from the same locality, said their income from these festivals helps cover annual expenses.

The idol-making process involves several steps, including selecting and transporting clay, mixing it, shaping it around a straw-and-grass frame, and finally painting it to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

The demand for Ganesh idols alongside Saraswati idols remains steady, given the Hindu tradition of offering the first worship to Lord Ganesh.

Traditionally, the Kumal community is known for making earthenware, while the Mahara (Chamar, Ram) community is primarily involved in idol-making. Many artisans, like Kailash Mahara, have inherited the craft from their ancestors and rely on festival sales for livelihood.

During the off-season, they engage in farming or other trades, but idol-making provides crucial financial support during festive times.

However, many veteran artisans worry that the younger generation is losing interest in the craft.

“To preserve this tradition, local governments must take initiatives to encourage young people to learn idol-making,” said 70-year-old Achchhawa Mahara from Bhangaha-5, Sitapur.

Without intervention, this ancestral profession may fade away with time.