I Visited North Kolkata’s Kumartuli, An Iconic Potter Town, To Witness The Art Behind Idol-Making

We Bengalis yearn for dhaak’er awaj, the quintessential pujo pujo vaab, and the much-awaited pujo’s five days throughout the year. Maa Durga’s homecoming with her children fills the air with joy, glory, and a distinct pujo pujo gondho that Bengalis can smell even for afar distance. Now that only 9 days are left for Durga puja’s shoshti, we are ticking off all last-minute preparations from checklists. Before Maa Durga comes home, it is a must to visit the iconic Kumartuli in North Kolkata. Surrounded by an old-school charm, tram lines, and a rush to meet deadlines to sculpt idols, it feels surreal just to be present here, even among a huge crowd of photographers and models waiting for their perfect pujo-themed pictures and reels.

Witness Sculptors’s Magical Creations At North Kolkata’s Kumartuli

Known for being the famous potter quarters in the City of Joy, this old neighbourhood is the prime example of Kolkata preserving its history and culture beautifully. Catch a metro to travel to Sovabazar Sutanuti metro station. Next, take an auto and you will reach Kumartuli in about 5-7 minutes. Passing swanky buildings and stores, you will be transported decades back inside the lanes of this bustling neighbourhood.

The narrow alleys of the potter’s town take visitors on a wonderful trip to see busy idol makers invested in making idols. From structuring the frames using clay, bamboo, and straw to colouring the creations to Maa Durga’s Chokkhu Daan (a tradition to paint Maa’s eyes), artists showcase magical skills to handicraft splendid idols.

While sculptors are now working relentlessly day and night to craft clay idols of Maa Durga and her children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikeya, they also prepare idols for different occasions. Undoubtedly, North Kolkata’s Kumartuli is one of the best locations to understand the idol-making process perfectly.

Also read: Take A Scenic Walk At Kumartuli & Catch A Glimpse Of The Divine Forms In Kolkata

Artisans Ship Idols Globally

Walking and checking out studios and magnificent idols are a pre-pujo tradition for many. This is an incredible location to get glimpses of idols of pandals in Kolkata and different parts of West Bengal. Sculptures and idols created here are transported nationwide and even abroad. From small-sized idols to larger-than-life and extravagant sculptures, it feels spectacular to get the darshan of so many splendidly prepared creations in one place.

Also read: They Say Kolkata Is Flawed, But Here Are 11 Reasons Why I Still Find The City Stunning

Joining talented photographers on a photo walk, exploring and taking a walk through history, recording documents, and showcasing Kolkata’s local artisans’ creativity and skills are well appreciated. Netizens’ content on the lesser-known kumars of Kumartuli provides talented idol artists with a much-needed spotlight and represents them globally. However, the rush of young visitors often disturbs them, especially while adding delicate touches and intricacies to the idols. It is our responsibility to be respectful of their spaces and privacy.

On another note, you may feel tired while exploring Kumartuli with the temperature soaring high every other day. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure for long.

Are you planning to visit Kumartuli and explore North Kolkata this year?

Cover Image Courtesy: Shreya Ghosh