The 'God Makers': Bangladesh's Devoted Idol Creators

As Durga Puja, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, approaches on 9 October, idol makers across Bangladesh are racing against time. In a year marked by political turmoil and reported attacks on Hindu minorities, this celebration of good over evil takes on a particularly poignant tone. 

While Durga Puja is widely celebrated in India and Nepal, for Bangladesh's Hindu community—comprising about 8% of the 170 million population—it holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing hope, unity, and resilience amidst challenging times. 

This festival brings together not only Hindus but also people from different backgrounds, including the Muslim majority, who join in the vibrant festivities and processions.

In the heart of Old Dhaka, in the historic Shakhari Bazar, artisans like Balai Pal, the city’s most renowned idol sculptor, work tirelessly to create the divine figures that will be at the center of worship during Durga Puja. Pal’s workshop, tucked away in a maze of narrow alleys, has been in his family for generations. 

This year, amidst the political upheaval, the atmosphere is charged with both tension and hope as these artisans strive to meet the increased demand for idols.

The idols they craft, using traditional methods passed down for over a century, represent more than just art—they embody the spirit of the goddess Durga and the resilience of Bangladesh’s Hindu community. 

For the artisans, creating these idols is not just a craft but an act of devotion, infusing every figure with their prayers and hopes for strength and protection.