The age-old craft of idol-making, which has been a traditional livelihood for many, is facing significant challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people turn to social media platforms like YouTube for DIY tutorials on creating clay idols, professional potters are seeing a decline in their business.
Bharti Prajapati, once a homemaker, found herself thrust into the world of idol-making after her husband’s unfortunate demise due to COVID-19. She, along with her two sons, now works tirelessly to craft clay idols of deities, particularly Durga idols. However, their business hasn’t fully recovered since the lockdown.
The rise of DIY clay idol-making tutorials on platforms like YouTube has changed the landscape of this traditional craft. Many individuals have taken up idol-making at home, impacting the livelihoods of professional potters.
For the Prajapati family, who rent a workspace for four months to create their idols, the risks have increased. They’ve had to be cautious this year, taking fewer orders due to the unsold inventory from the previous year.
The competition is fierce, with strict deadlines to meet. For these potters, the three months leading up to Diwali are usually their busiest time of the year.
In another rented workspace, Ashok Prajapati and his family work tirelessly to keep their pottery business afloat. Their workplace is adorned with idols of various sizes, and the atmosphere is filled with the heat of creativity. However, they’ve seen a decline in business, with newcomers from different communities entering the field thanks to mobile videos and tutorials.
Kishan Lal, a 65-year-old potter with a lifelong history in the trade, acknowledges the challenges brought about by social media. He points out that while anyone can attempt smaller clay idols with online guidance, the larger, more intricate idols still require the touch of a professional, which keeps their business going.
Accessibility is another hurdle for these traditional potters, as the narrow lanes leading to their workshops can be difficult for customers to navigate.
Vikas Prajapati, who joined the business at a young age, acknowledges the impact of social media on their craft. While there has been some recovery, he notes that the market is now flooded with idol-makers, some of whom lack the necessary skills.
Despite the challenges, these traditional potters remain committed to their craft and their ancestral businesses. Moving away from their family tradition is not an option they are willing to consider, as they hope to preserve their unique artistry and pass it on to future generations.
