Artists find new jobs during puja time

BALASORE: The puja is not just limited to pandals and idol-makers. It provides livelihood to people from diverse walks of life like painters, electricians, tailors, potters and even goldsmiths.Painter Ajit Jena had orders for creating background paintings for the puja pandals in Balasore town. Though the idea of using paintings as a backdrop to the idols is a new concept for this sleepy town, the demand from puja organisers cheered up the artists.  The price of each piece of work ranged between ` 5,000 and  ` 10,000.While the painters and artists were busy providing a good look to the pandal backgrounds, electricians were giving shape to beautiful electric gates. “The art works were sold after the pandal was dismantled and the artists paid from the revenue. Besides, the work lures art lovers who offer jobs to the artists round the year,” said Manoj Nandi, member of a puja committee.Artists are enthusiastic with the arrangements. “We were earlier not getting any job during pujas. Of late, the idea of using paintings has caught the attention of organisers and we are happy with it,” said Jena. This apart, several idol-makers this year emphasised on making eco-friendly idols which will have minimal impact on the environment. Perturbed over allegations of water pollution after the immersion ceremony, puja organisers have adopted several means to minimise the effect.