Balurghat's Binapani Idols Head to Other States, Boosting Off-Season Economy

• Balurghat's potters remain busy even after Saraswati Puja, with their idols now in demand in Assam and Tripura.
• The Chakbhrigu area of Balurghat, a major pottery center, is experiencing an 'off-season' boom.
• Artists are working day and night to create small Saraswati idols (1 to 1.5 feet tall) for export.
• This initiative provides a new income stream and 'oxygen' to the local pottery industry, as stated by potter Utpal Pal.
• Idols are transported from Balurghat to Siliguri, then sent to Assam and Tripura via traders.