September 1, 2020: In a normal situation, the months of August and September are very crucial for the idol-makers of Guwahati. They remain busy in giving finishing touches to the idols and Goddess Durga and her children ahead of the Durga Puja

However, this year, the scene is quite opposite. There's no activities at the idol making workshops. The artisans are seen relaxed even in September. The reason, Covid-19. The deadly virus has not only affected the people's health, but has also attacked their livelihoods.

The idol makers are not exception. With no confirmation on whether there will be Durga Puja celebration this year or not, there's no demand for the Durga idols from the puja pandals so far. While the artisans used to get orders from various pandals several months before the Durga Puja, this year no puja pandal has placed order.

Due to this, the artisans are facing a tough time. They have made the idols, but there's no taker for them. Facing a bleak future, they have appealed to the government for help.