Agartala, 23rd October 2026 : With the echoes of Durga Puja gradually fading and Goddess Durga returning to her heavenly abode with the promise of “Asche bochor abar hobe” (the festivities will return next year), preparations for the next major festival have begun in full swing. As Bengalis prepare to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity and good fortune, potters have started displaying their idols at various markets across Boxanagar ahead of the upcoming Kojagari Lakshmi Puja.
With the full moon phase set to begin on Sunday, October 25, households have already started making preparations for the annual worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The festival, deeply rooted in Bengali tradition, is observed with devotion and enthusiasm, with families preparing to welcome the goddess with conch-shell blowing, the ringing of bells, ululation and the lighting of lamps and incense.
Considered one of the most significant festivals in the Bengali calendar, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja brings a fresh wave of festive enthusiasm following the conclusion of Durga Puja. Every year, the occasion generates considerable demand for Lakshmi idols, prompting local potters to prepare idols in different sizes, designs and decorative styles to cater to the needs of devotees.
However, despite an adequate supply of idols in the markets, sales have yet to pick up as expected, leaving artisans concerned with only two days remaining before the puja. According to potters, the number of Lakshmi idols available in the market is higher than in previous years, while prices have also witnessed a slight increase. The slow pace of sales has raised concerns among artisans, many of whom depend on seasonal demand for their livelihood.
Despite the sluggish response so far, potters remain optimistic that the markets will witness a surge in buyers as the festival approaches. They are hopeful that last-minute shopping will boost sales and help them recover the costs and efforts involved in preparing the idols.
Meanwhile, rising prices of essential commodities continue to put pressure on household budgets. Nevertheless, the religious significance and emotional attachment associated with Lakshmi Puja remain strong, with many families determined to uphold the tradition within their financial means. Devotees are purchasing idols and puja essentials according to their budgets to ensure that the annual worship is observed with devotion.
With the festive spirit returning to Boxanagar following Durga Puja, the local markets are once again gearing up for another important occasion in the Bengali calendar. For the potters, however, the coming days will be crucial, as they pin their hopes on a last-minute rush of customers to turn a slow start into a satisfactory festive season.
