Clay Artisan in Teliamura Struggles with Rising Costs and Labor Shortage Ahead of Durga Puja

Teliamura, Tripura – As Durga Puja approaches, a local clay artisan is confronting a sharp rise in raw material costs that threatens the profitability of his small workshop. The potter, who has supplied earthen idols and decorative items for the festival for over a decade, says the price of clay and fuel has jumped by nearly 30 percent in the past six months.

Compounding the financial strain is a shortage of skilled helpers. Younger workers are moving to urban centers for better wages, leaving the artisan to manage production largely on his own. He estimates that the reduced labor force has cut his output capacity by almost half, jeopardising timely delivery of orders for temples and households.

The artisan hopes that community support and possible government schemes for traditional craftsmen will ease the pressure before the festival begins. In the meantime, he is adjusting designs and seeking cheaper alternatives to meet the demand without compromising the cultural essence of the idols.