AGARTALA, Oct 11 (TIWN): With Durga Puja, the biggest and most celebrated festival of the Bengali community, just a week away, Tripura’s iconic artisan Gautam Das, an inspiring idol-maker with Bamboo crafts, is buzzing with activity.

A visit to Arunadoya Sangha will give a glimpse of finely crafted idol of Godess Durga in Bamboo. A total of Rs. 4 lakh is sponsored for the making of this idol of goddess Durga.

Gautam Das, the head of the group, sounds pretty nostalgic as he draws the lineaments of the face of the goddess. “This is an ancient art form which was bequeathed upon me by my forefathers”, said Gautam.

Gautam is ordained to this diaphanous art of idol making by his father Lt. Gauranga Das who won the president award in 1966 for his finest work of bamboo crafting.

The biggest achievement of Gautam’s life till date was that last year during Durga Puja.  That idol was of goddess Durga for Lotus Club with Bamboo and my work was highly appreciated by the recognized authority, said Gautam.  

However, the idol is recently kept in Tripura State museum as his work is found highly creative and innovative by the authority.

The making of the idol in itself is a Herculean task, following a division of labour with different groups being assigned to a specific piece of work. At first the platform on which the idol rests is raised using bamboo sticks of different sizes and shapes.

The idol is entirely prepared on bamboo crafts. Even the clothes and ornaments, which is draped on the deity is made by bamboo. Bamboo is shaved finely. Usually the masks and other parts of the idols of deities like Ganesh and Durga and all other idols are separately prepared. Then the mask is woven around the dye through the fine bamboo.

However, all these fail to eclipse the apprehensions and hardships which have become synonymous with their livelihood.

Only a week away to see the idol of goddess of Durga crafted out of Bamboo.