Restriction on Durga idols’ size puts sculptors in dilemma
   Date :27-Sep-2020
 
Durga idols_1  
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Sculptors from Mahakoushal are facing problems due to delayed directives issued by administration to restrict the size of idols
 
Rakesh Charwarati, a leading sculptor from Jabalpur, said that due to delayed directives from administration on the issue of size of idols. We are completely bewildered and are unable to cope up with directives of administration. He said as the making of statues get started 3-4 months ago, we have already made statues in the seize of 6,8,10 and 12 feet respectively. We are now forced to restructure the idols. The directives asserts that in case the height of idols is not within the set parameters the puja pandal committee along with the sculptor would get penalised under Section 188.
Apparently, the delayed directives issued by district administration on size of statues to be installed at various puja pandals with height restriction of maximum 6 feet has caused serious resentment among large number of sculptors in Jabalpur. Had the administration issued directives in advance would have proved helpful to sculptors to restrict size of idols but with start of Navaratri knocking at the door the size restriction on idols has caused insurmountable trouble for people involved sculptor profession. Reportedly, district administration adhering to notification from home ministry has issued directives that maximum height of idols under no circumstances would exceed 6 feet.
 
According to information, sculptors from Mahakoushal area are faced with serious problem of survival with delayed directives issued by administration to restrict the size of idols has caused large scale panic. As the work pertaining to making of statues gathered momentum around three months ago. Consequently all sculptors keeping in view the prevalent preference of various puja samities have made statues in the height ranging from 6,8,10 and 12 feet respectively.
 
The directives issued a fortnight ago has baffled sculptors who find it difficult to cope with given directives are faced with insurmountable problem of survival. In view of the fact making of idols is an fine art sculptors having expertise in making idols of established height being installed over the years find it cumbersome to make shift from established mode of making statues.