Sculptors in Dhangadhi busy crafting Vishwakarma idols ahead of Puja

Kailali: With about a month remaining until Vishwakarma Puja, local sculptors in Dhangadhi are busy creating idols of Vishwakarma. Every year, on Asoj 1, the festival is celebrated by worshipping Vishwakarma, following long-standing tradition.

Mahendra Kumar Shah, a sculptor from Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-2 Customs, said the demand for idols rises sharply on Asoj 1, prompting them to begin production early. He is currently crafting artistic idols in various forms for the festival.

Shah explained that he is engaged in shaping clay idols, decorating, painting, and enhancing their appeal. “On the day of worship, the market sees more idols along with factories, industries, tools, and equipment, which are also worshipped,” he said. “I started making Vishwakarma Baba idols from the second week of Shrawan to meet market demand. It is easier to work now than rush later.”

So far, Shah has made 15 idols and is preparing to produce more, with each idol priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, offering around 50 percent profit. He noted that the time to craft one idol is about a week, and he has been working as a sculptor for three decades, producing idols for festivals including Vishwakarma Puja, Chhath Parva, and Wada Dashain.

The materials used include clay, straw, twine, wood, nails, cotton, and sacks. Shah emphasized that this craft has long provided a livelihood for his family of eight while supporting his children’s education.

He urged the local government to provide financial support and skill-based training to sculptors to preserve art and culture and ensure its transmission to future generations.