Cloud of uncertainity over Siliguri idol makers due to floods in Kalimpong, Sikkim
Telegraph | 10 October 2023
The natural disaster which hit parts of Kalimpong district and the neighbouring state of Sikkim on October 4 has left idol makers in Siliguri amid uncertainty.
The artisans, who have readied at least 10 Durga idols at their workshops in Siliguri for the Pujas in Kalimpong and Sikkim, are not sure whether the organisers will eventually take away the idols to their places.
“We got orders for at least 10 idols from different areas of Sikkim and Kalimpong. But NH10 has been washed away and hundreds of displaced people are staying in relief camps. We have no idea whether Durga Puja will be celebrated at all these places this year. Or else, we will have to suffer losses,” said Ramesh Paul, an artisan in Siliguri.
Every year, Durga idols are taken to the hills from Kumartuli, the hub of idol makers, located near Mahatma Gandhi Chowk in the city.
The natural calamity has also made prominent Puja organisers in the hills scale down their plans.
Members of Milani Sangha, the oldest Durga Puja in Kalimpong since 1929, have changed their plans because of the disaster.
Subrata Manna, the secretary of the association, said after the flash flood, they had decided not to organise the Puja this year.
“We bring everything from Siliguri, including the idol and puja materials. Also, the materials for the pandal and the workers also come from the plains. As traffic has stopped along NH10, we felt it tough to hold the Puja this year,” said Manna.
However, a couple of days ago, they managed to get special permission from the district administration to bring the idol and other materials through the Gorubathan-Lava-Algara route – an alternative route used by light vehicles these days to reach Kalimpong and Sikkim.
“We have reduced the height of the idol and will organise the Puja with minimal arrangements. Most of our members have decided to spend a portion of our budget for the Puja to provide relief to the affected people,” he added.
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration chief executive Anit Thapa on Monday appealed to people to celebrate Fulpati, a traditional festival held in the hills during Durga Puja, in a low-key manner.
“People have lost their lives and many are still missing. Also, hundreds have been displaced and are staying in relief camps. I would request everybody to celebrate Fulpati in a minimal manner in solidarity with the victims’ families and other affected people,” said Thapa.