Potters busy as Lakshmi Puja idol sales pick up in Gopalganj

With Lakshmi Puja approaches, buyers are thronging idol markets across Gopalganj district to select idols and collect worship essentials, giving potters a busy time ahead of the festival.
The sale of idols and puja items has gained momentum ahead of the festival, which will be celebrated today (October 25) coinciding with Kojagari Purnima.
Idol markets have been set up at Khatra Sarbajanin Kalibari in Gopalganj town, Bedgram, Ghonapara, Satpar, Baultali, Gandhiyasur Bazar, Singa and Rahuthar Bazar in Kashiani, Ramdia, Kotalipara, Tungipara and Muksudpur, among other places.
Small idols are selling for Tk200 to Tk400, while larger and more elaborate ones cost up to Tk2,000. Various puja essentials, including garlands, lotus flowers and other ritual items, are also available at the markets.
Potters said the rising prices of raw materials had increased production costs, forcing them to raise idol prices slightly compared with previous years.
Idol maker Nepal Pal said the cost of making idols had gone up due to higher material prices, leaving artisans with little choice but to increase selling prices.
Meanwhile, buyers are visiting the markets to choose idols according to their preferences and budgets. Many are also purchasing other puja essentials from the same stalls. Priyam Mondal, a resident of Battala Road in Gopalganj town, said he bought an idol for Tk250 to worship Goddess Lakshmi and pray for his family's wellbeing.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is observed on the full moon night of the Bengali month of Ashwin. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, regarded as the deity of wealth and prosperity, seeking happiness, peace and financial wellbeing for their families.
The word ‘Kojagari’ is derived from the Sanskrit phrase ‘Ko Jagarti’, meaning ‘Who is awake?’ According to popular belief, Goddess Lakshmi visits the earth on the full moon night and blesses those who remain awake and worship her.
With the festival approaching, the markets across Gopalganj are witnessing increased activity as devotees complete their preparations.