September 7, 2020: Idol makers in Guwahati have expressed hope that the upcoming festival season will help bring in business that was hit during the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

One artist said there has been a dip in the demand for handmade idols but he expects business to pick up.

Ganesh Pal, an idol maker in Guwahati said: "We have been getting fewer orders this year due to coronavirus. We have got only 2-4 orders for now but we are expecting more orders soon as Durga puja is approaching near."

"After this Vishwakarma Puja (Jayanti), we will be able to assess and tell the full extent of the loss of business which we are facing," Pal said.

Vishwakarma Puja is on September 17.