BICHOLIM: On account of the prevailing pandemic and dearth of skilled labour, Bicholim artisans say that Ganesh idols will cost more this year.
The Ganesh idol makers complain that they have been hit hard by the pandemic as they are not able to get the skilled labourers from Maharashtra.
“Due to restrictions, the labourers from Maharashtra did not come to Goa, which is a big problem we have been facing this year. This year the cost of making idols has increased,” said Uday Manerkar, an artisan from Bicholim.
He informed that they used to get the paint from neighbouring States including Maharashtra, but this year since it was not possible, we were forced to get the paint in Goa that too at higher price. “The cost of making idols has increased and obviously the devotees and the people will have to shell out more money,” Manerkar said.
It is not just the labourers, even the inter-State transport too has been affected and so the idols, which they used to get from the other States, will also cost more.
“Transport from Maharashtra is difficult. There is also not much demand for big idols, which has affected the artisans,” complained Mahadev Arondekar from Mayem. “With no demand for big idols, the artisans will be affected. There is no doubt that the cost of idol will increase by around Rs 200,” he said. “This year most customers have demanded for smaller idols and there are very few who are opting for big idols,” Arondekar added.
