Malda-based home guard creates Durga idol with sustainable resources | See pics

Bishunupada Saha from Malda's Baghajatin government colony created the idol of Goddess Durga with sustainable resources, to promote soil conservation. He dropped the use of clay in the making of the Durga idol.

As Bengal is all set to welcome Maa Durga, artists have unleashed their collective creativity to bring to existence the most ornate and exemplary themes for the Durga Puja. One such artist is Bishunupada Saha from Malda's Baghajatin government colony who is invoked to vanquish the evil of climate change through his unique contribution.

A home guard by profession, Saha has had a keen interest in sculpting statues of Devi Shakti for over a decade. Year after year, he infused his passion to weave the idea of environmental concerns, most importantly soil erosion. After reeling under the crippling times of Covid, he thought it would be pertinent to tell the tale of putting the environment before personal cause, which led to the idea behind his Durga idol this year.

Speaking to India Today, the 60-year-old revealed, he created Goddess Durga's idol without one of its core contents, clay, which is mandatory to hold the murti together. He uses natural resources to create idols. “I often make Maa’s murti with eco-friendly things like fruit peels, thread, and leaves among other things,” Saha said.

Sharing the story behind his craft, Saha highlighted, “I have given up the use of clay and artificial colours as it is harmful to nature as soil has now become unattainable.”

He added, “The sculpting clay often must be brought from below the dams or orchards. So, I decided to abandon the traditional customs of sculpting, looking at the prolonged problem of soil erosion and, in turn, my contribution to soil conservation.”

Particularly this year, Saha is using wheat, psyllium husk, and rice. “I have created a thick paste which is the tightening agent for the base,” Saha explained. “Then added it to the straw that is roped in the shape of the idols.” Saha wrapped, carved, and twisted aluminum foil to make jewellery, outfit, and intricate designs on Devi Durga.

Making idols has been his passion for as long as he remembers. Saha said, “Only money cannot drive someone to create or innovate. It must come from within.” Talking about his passion, Bishnupada said he often invested from his meager salary and savings to make idols. “It is my gift to the people of this town,” Sala concluded.