Durga idol made with 1.5 lakh matchsticks draws crowds in Satkhira

A Durga idol is being crafted using over 150,000 matchsticks, along with intricate work using more than 10 kilograms of silk thread, moving beyond the traditional clay, straw and bamboo structure in Satkhira. The work is underway at the Brahmarajpur Sarbojonin Shri Shri Durga Puja temple in Dhulihar union of Sadar upazila.

Though the puja is still about a month away, visitors have already started flocking to the temple premises to see the unique idol. Many are capturing different stages of the construction on their mobile phones. Organisers hope that during the five days of puja, visitors from various parts of Satkhira and across the country will come to see the idol.

Mritshilpi (clay artist) Nabadeep Sarkar said he had seen similar work during a visit to India in 2023. Inspired by that experience, they decided to create a Durga idol using matchsticks and silk thread in Satkhira this year. He hopes to finish the work about a week before the puja.

Amit Ghosh, treasurer of the Brahmarajpur Puja Celebration Committee, said last year's puja, featuring an idol made of rice, cost about Tk 3 lakh. This year, using matchsticks and silk thread has increased the cost. Over 150,000 matchsticks and more than 10 kilograms of silk thread are being used. In total, this year's puja may cost around Tk 5 lakh.

Amit Ghosh said special chemicals are being used to reduce the risk since flammable materials are involved.

Kanaialal, an advisor to the temple committee, said they try to do something unique at Brahmarajpur every year. Last year, a Durga idol made of 100 kg of rice drew visitors from far and wide. Encouraged by the response, they planned something even more attractive this year, leading to the matchstick and silk thread idol.

Gautam Kumar Biswas, president of the Brahmarajpur Sarbojonin Puja Celebration Committee, said they are taking the flammability issue seriously. Apart from using special chemicals, tests have been conducted in the presence of sculptors and committee members.

Visitors have expressed their appreciation. "Religion is personal; festivals are for everyone. We want everyone to come here, see the idol and enjoy," said Kaushali Sarkar, a visitor. She believes that the temple's annual effort to do something new will draw even more crowds this year, following the success of the rice idol last year.