Tuhina Sahoo
Cuttack, Sept 17: As Durga Puja approaches, the silver city of Cuttack is abuzz with preparations for the grand celebration. The city's puja committees have already commenced key rituals, including the 'Mati Anukula,' during Nanda Utsav, where holy soil was collected for the construction of the idols.
The process of idol-making began earlier with ‘Sunia’ and ‘Radhastami’. Artisans mix clay with straw to form the foundational skeleton of the idols, which is then either heated or sun-dried to harden. However, this year, artisans are facing challenges due to unseasonal rainfall. The intricate heads of the idols are sculpted separately to capture the detailed features of the goddess.
In an interview with Prameya English, artisan Kunu Behera from Chandni Chowk assured that the work would be completed on schedule. "There will be no delay in the making or painting of the idols. We will apply Khadi, a white primer, on the Durga idols before coloring them, along with other rituals at the pandals during Khadi Lagi Amavasya," Behera said.
By Khadi Lagi Amavasya, the idol construction is expected to be finished. After applying a double coat of soil (Eka Matia and Do Matia), a mixture of tamarind seed powder and white stone Khadi powder is used. The tamarind seed powder acts as a natural adhesive. Artisans apply two coats of this paste without using chemicals. Following this, colors are added, and Devi Durga will be adorned with cloth and ornaments.
Manoj Kumar Dalai from Mansinghpatna Puja Mandap also expressed confidence, stating, “We will complete the idol-making process before Khadi Lagi Amavasya. If we managed to hold the Puja during the 1999 Super Cyclone, we can certainly do it this time as well. Natural calamities have never marred our Pujas; even the 1999 cyclone occurred after the festivities.”
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, Cuttack's dedication to its Durga Puja preparations reflects the city's enduring spirit and commitment to celebrating this major cultural event.
