By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: A pair of sculptor brothers in Patna have once again crafted a unique set of Goddess Durga idols for Navratri this year. Jitendra Kumar and his younger brother, Chandan Kumar, have created six distinct types of Durga idols, using materials such as bindi, rudraksha, panch phoran (five spices), mixed grains, diya wicks, and crystal. Jitendra, who has been designing such distinctive idols for the past twelve years, distributes them to various clubs across the city.
The process begins with a meeting where the concept and materials for the idol are discussed. After several experiments, the final material for the idol is selected. These idols are then placed near different clubs. Sculptor Jitendra explains that the structure is first built using straw and paper, after which the chosen material is affixed with a dough made from flour. Watercolour and wool are used to create the eyes and lips of the idol.
Each idol incorporates different materials, and some also feature distinctive backgrounds. For instance, the Bindi idol uses 50,000 bindis, with a backdrop decorated with makeup items such as alta, mirrors, bangles, combs, and pendants.
The Rudraksha idol incorporates 15 kg of both large and small rudraksha beads, and its background is also made entirely of rudraksha.
The Panch Phoran idol utilises 15 kg of these spices, with the face crafted from mustard seeds and a bay leaf background.
The Mixed Grain idol is composed of lentils, rice, wheat, kidney beans, and almonds, totalling 15 kg of mixed grains.
The Diya Wick idol features 5,000 small round wicks and 2,000 long wicks, with a background created from cotton to form a diya.
The Crystal idol is adorned with three large garlands. It took the brothers a month to complete all the idols.
The locations for these idols are as follows:
- Bindi Statue: Jai Hind Club, Musallahpur
- Rudraksha Statue: New Arya Athletic Club, Amroodi Gali
- Panch Phoran Statue: Youth Indian Club, Bhanwar Pokhar
- Mixed Grain Statue: Ekta Club, Bypass Nayachak
- Diya Wick Statue: New Azad Hind Club, Musallahpur
- Crystal Statue: AMBC Club, Amroodi Mahalla
