An artist works on a Durga idol at Salimpurarha in Patna on Sunday. Telegraph picture

Patna, Sept. 11: Goddess Durga and her children are scheduled to arrive in Puja pandals within a month. So, it is time to slog for idol-makers.

Artists at Bakarganj, Kadamkuan and Daldali Road said though preparations to make idols began three months ago, only half the work had been completed. The clay structure of the idols has been constructed. They are now being dried, after which they would be coloured.

Shiv Shankar Prasad, an artist from Salimpurarha area, said: “I will start to paint the idols after a week. By then, they will be dry. I want to make the deity look as human as possible. The aim is to be perfect.”

Badri Paswan, an artist in the Bakarganj area, today gave final touches to the clay structure of the idols with an additional layer of earth. He said: “It is very important to cover the gaps in the idols with a final layer of clay. Else, the idols will not be attractive.”

The 70-year-old veteran of this profession added: “It is essential for an artist to know the exact amount of clay required. If we put the wrong amount of clay, the idol will look bad. It will also be difficult to colour them. Many people will come to see the idols and seek the blessing of the gods and goddesses. So, we must work hard to make the idols look good. We cannot take any chances.”

Paswan and his fellow artists work overtime in the festive season to meet the demands of the Puja organisers.

Surendra Pal, an artist at Daldali Road, said: “The festival is very important, especially from a business point of view. We earn handsome amounts of money during the festival, as people demand idols of different sizes. The larger the idol, the better for us. A medium-sized idol is priced between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000, while a small idol is sold for Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. The large idols for the bigger Pujas cost up to Rs 25,000.”

Artists revealed that different organisers demanded different features for the goddess. “Everyone wants their idol to be of a different design from others. Small forehead, fuller cheek, a dimpled chin and narrow eyes are in demand these days,” said an artist.

Idol-makers are not the only one working hard. Work is on to complete pandals at Boring Road, Station Road, Kankerbagh, Gardanibagh, Lohanipur, and Dakbungalow roundabout. Sources said most of the organisers were working hard to draw crowds by setting up spectacular pandals.