Located on the banks of the Hooghly River in the north KolkataKumartuli is an old district which is synonymous with Durga Puja. Here, potters carry on the rich tradition of idol making, bringing the goddess to life in innumerable forms and shapes every year. Kumartuli potters, who originally made pots for the Sutanuti market, eventually began making images of gods and goddesses for local mansions and community pujas, and have since played an important role in the grand construction of the city. durga puja festival,

All about Kumartuli

Kumartuli, meaning “city of potters”, has a history dating back over 300 years. Originally a center of potters, the area turned into a sanctuary for idol makers, especially as the popularity of Durga Puja increased in the late 18th century. Today, this artisan enclave is home to hundreds of sculptors who apply their skill and dedication to create lifelike idols of Goddess Durga and other deities.

The potters who live in the narrow lanes of this artisan neighborhood fill the place with their rhythmic chisels and the aroma of clay taken from the bed of the Hooghly River. Each workshop demonstrates the intricate process of sculpture making, starting with the construction of a sturdy frame from bamboo and straw. Layer after layer of clay is then carefully applied, transforming the frame into an embodiment of divinity. The idols vary in size, from small idols for home altars to huge statues that grace public pandals, each with unique regional styles. Sculptors have honed their art over generations, and today most of their workshops occupy much of Banamali Sarkar Street.

The most attractive aspect of Kumartuli is the intricate detailing that brings each sculpture to life. From the fierce yet compassionate expression of Goddess Durga to the delicate features of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, every aspect is hand-crafted, carved to perfection. The artists use natural materials such as clay, wood and grass moulds, sticking to traditional methods while adopting contemporary aesthetics and versions of the sculptures.

While Kumartuli is famous for its idol makers, it is also home to artisans who create exquisite jewelery and clothes for the idols. One workshop specializes in intricate paper, lace and gota jewellery, while the other creates beautiful decorations from shola pith, a unique regional material. As the day of immersion approaches, the streets of Kumartuli come alive once again. The idols are taken around the city in lively processions, when they are immersed in the river, a poignant farewell, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the divine. After the festivities, the artisans of Kumartuli return to their workshops, ready to start the cycle afresh.

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