Not just people, artisans too waiting for Durga Puja in North East India

Agartala, Sep.30 (ANI): The enthusiasm among people for Durga Puja in northeast India is no less than what it is in other parts of the country.

And, the festive season spells good times for business community and traders across the region.

Forty-five-year old Narayana Rudra Paul is a small trader in Arali area of West Tripura.

He makes garlands and other decorative items that are used for adorning the idols as well as pandals.

With Durga Puja around the corner, the demand for his products has increased.

Paul is putting in extra hours to get them ready on time for the festival.

He has not only engaged his family members in the business, but has also created employment for others.

He started this business two decades ago and today, his unit employs nearly 20 members.

"We make garlands throughout the year but wait for the Puja season as there is huge demand during this period," said Paul.

"We have huge work pressure, as we do not have skilled workers. We are working day and night to complete the work. Getting workers is the biggest problem here," adds artisan Rupak Rudra Paul.

"This is a seasonal business and we make good profits during the festival but during the other times the demand is comparatively less, says another artisan Biplab Dutta.

Markets in both Tripura and Assam are bustling with people busy with their last minute shopping for the festival. This is a great time for handicraft workers and artisans.

"There is a huge rush in the markets and people are enthusiastically participating in the Durga Puja," says Geetanjali, a resident.

"The business has just started and I hope that it will be good in coming days," adds Purabi, a trader.

The state government has also beefed up security to prevent any untoward incident during the festival. Several thousand policemen have been deployed and watchtowers and CCTV cameras have also been installed.

People from all walks of life and different communities come together during the festival presenting a perfect example of unity and harmony. (ANI)