Why Katihar's Ancestral Idol-Making Trade Is Losing Its Glow

The ancestral trade of making clay idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh in Katihar is facing an uncertain future. Traditionally, these idols have been central to Dhanteras and Diwali worship in Bihar. But shifting preferences, rising costs and a lack of young workers are pushing the craft toward extinction.

In the Kumhar Toli area of Hariganj, the number of families involved in clay idol making has dropped sharply. Residents say the neighbourhood once produced idols for nearly every household, while today the work is limited to a few homes.

The main challenge is changing demand. Many buyers now prefer plaster of Paris idols, other synthetic materials and Chinese-made idols. Artisans say glossy, polished idols are especially popular, and clay idols are often seen as less appealing.

Anjali Devi, an artisan in the area, said her family once made about 1,500 idols. Today, the production has fallen to roughly 100 to 200 idols, and even these are not always fully sold. She said the work now depends on a few elderly people who continue to make idols out of necessity.

Costs have also become a serious concern. Clay is expensive and difficult to obtain, firewood used in preparing the idols is costly, and paints and colours have become more expensive. These expenses leave little margin for artisans.

Younger members of artisan families have largely left the craft. Anjali Devi said her children no longer take up the work because it does not generate enough income to support the household. Even the clay that was once sold cheaply is now priced much higher.

Gautam Kumar, a local youth, said low profits are the biggest reason the new generation has not joined the trade. He said that if demand for clay idols grows again, young people from the community would likely return to the craft.

For now, the ancestral business continues mainly through the efforts of the elderly, and the tradition is steadily losing ground.