Durga Idol from Patuapara in Domjur to Raj Bhavan, Artists Busy with Last-Minute Preparations

**Howrah:** Preparations for the greatest festival of Bengalis, Durga Puja, have already begun. And the artists of the spacious Patuapara in Domjur, Howrah, are currently busy with these preparations. Because the Durga idol for Kolkata's Raj Bhavan is being crafted by the hands of the artists from this Patuapara. The final touches for the idol are currently underway at the workshop of artist Prabhash Chitrakar.

The artist has stated that the order for making the idol comes from Raj Bhavan almost five months before the festival. For the past four years, the Durga idol for Raj Bhavan has been made in his workshop. He has been entrusted with this responsibility again this year. The idol is scheduled to be taken to Raj Bhavan on the third day of Mahalaya. To achieve this goal, the artist and his assistants are working day and night.

Prabhash Chitrakar mentioned that having the opportunity to create an idol for a prestigious place like Raj Bhavan is a matter of great joy and pride for him. Not only does he receive the order for the idol, but he is also invited to Raj Bhavan during the festival. Thus, this work becomes a unique emotional experience for him every year.

Already, the various workshops in the spacious Patuapara are bustling with activity for making Durga idols. Some are tying straw to the framework, others are applying clay, and yet others are preparing the decorations for the idol. Amidst all this, the Durga idol for Raj Bhavan is gradually taking shape in Prabhash Chitrakar's workshop.

As the days of the festival approach, the busyness increases. Alongside the creation of regular idols, special care and dedication are also being given to finalize the idol for Raj Bhavan. The Durga idol, crafted in this Patuapara of Domjur, will reach Kolkata's Raj Bhavan—an emblem of pride for the artists as well as a symbol of tradition.