In Frames | Kumartuli: where clay comes alive

In Kolkata's renowned potters' district, Kumartuli, the creation of Durga Puja idols from clay unfolds. Months before the festival, artisans toil long hours in tight workshops, molding straw, clay, and bamboo frames into impressive Goddess Durga sculptures. With great skill and patience, they shape the figures, refine faces, and painstakingly paint the idols, bringing them to life before transporting them to puja pandals throughout Kolkata and beyond.

Kumartuli's history stretches back nearly three centuries, intertwined with Krishnanagar in West Bengal's Nadia district. Maharaja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar is credited with promoting idol worship, with the first Durga Puja believed to have taken place there in 1606. Over the years, potters from the region migrated to the city, establishing their workshops along the Hooghly River. While some workshops maintain traditional shabeki styles, others innovate with contemporary designs.

Idols crafted for community pandals and household pujas range in price from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh, depending on their size. The use of eco-friendly colors adds to the cost. Despite its male-dominated tradition, a few women have broken barriers to join the craft in Kumartuli.

As Durga Puja approaches, the narrow lanes of Kumartuli fill with journalists, photographers, social media influencers, and tourists documenting the artisans' work. The crowds demonstrate how the age-old craft now intersects with tourism and social media, offering visitors a chance to witness the meticulous craftsmanship behind one of Kolkata's most celebrated festivals.

Artisans create detailed clay idols of Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesh, and other deities ahead of Durga Puja. Using expert strokes, they perfect these idols, adding intricate designs and eco-friendly colors. While women remain underrepresented in the traditionally male-dominated craft, their contribution to Kumartuli's artistic legacy remains significant.

Thousands of people gather daily to photograph idols of Goddess Durga being readied for transport from Kumartuli. For many artisan families, idol-making is a generations-old tradition, with Durga Puja first celebrated in Krishnanagar in 1606. Durga Puja symbolizes community spirit, providing a livelihood for many while serving as a celebration of faith. Visitors often pose beside unfinished idols of Goddess Durga, capturing the festive atmosphere and the artisans' work.