Kolkata comes alive even more with vibrant festivities during Durga Puja. While the entire city immerses itself in the grandeur of this festival, one place stands out as an artists’ paradise during this time – Kumartoli. This quaint neighbourhood in North Kolkata is where skilled artisans and sculptors breathe life into the magnificent idols of Goddess Durga. The place makes it a hub of creativity and craftsmanship that captivates the city’s heart and soul every year.
Kumartoli’s Transformation Into An Artists’ Paradise
#Kumartuli is the traditional potters quarter which is over 300 years old.
In the lead up to DurgaPuja,thousands of artisans toil diligently to create some of the most stunning creations#experiencebengal #travelbengal #tourismbengal #bengalbeckons #stayinbengal #beautifulbengal pic.twitter.com/6RxcwLY0he— West Bengal Tourism (@TourismBengal) May 30, 2019
Kumartoli, which translates to the potter’s quarter in Bengali, is a historic area where generations of artisans have been practising their craft for centuries. However, it’s during Durga Puja that Kumartoli truly transforms into an enchanting artists’ paradise. The preparations for this grand festival typically start several months in advance, and the place plays a pivotal role in this elaborate process.
What sets Kumartoli apart during Durga Puja is not just the idol-making process, but the entire atmosphere that surrounds it. The narrow lanes of this neighbourhood are lined with workshops, where artists can be seen sculpting, painting, and decorating idols. Visitors are welcome to witness this creative frenzy up close. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of incense sticks. And the rhythmic sounds of artisans at work create a mesmerising symphony of craftsmanship.
Beyond the artistry and craftsmanship, Kumartoli’s transformation during Durga Puja also has a significant economic impact. The festival attracts a massive influx of tourists and devotees from all over India and abroad. This surge in visitors provides a boost to the local economy.
Also read: Durga Puja 2023: This Kolkata Pandal To Have A 32-Ft Maa Durga Idol With 10 Globes On 10 Hands
The Elaborate Idol-Making Process
At #kumartoli #Kolkata #DurgaaPujo2015 @MadeInBengal @TourismBengal @welovecalcutta @CalcuttaWalks @TweetKolkata pic.twitter.com/kPybXzPFJ5
— Dipa Rudra Ghose (@DipaRudraGhose) October 7, 2015
The journey of crafting these divine idols begins with the selection of the raw materials. Kumartoli’s artists meticulously chose clay, straw, and bamboo, among other materials, to shape the goddess and her entourage. The idol-making process is an intricate one, where every detail matters. The artisans create the idols by hand, with a deep sense of devotion and skill. The tradition is often passed down through generations, with families of artisans continuing this legacy for centuries.
The idols of Durga, often towering to impressive heights, take on unique and creative forms every year. Each artist brings their own interpretation and style to the goddess, resulting in a diverse array of designs that reflect both tradition and innovation. The artists pour their heart and soul into their creations, and the idols come to life with vibrant colours, intricate jewellery, and expressive faces that exude divinity and grace.
The artistic frenzy, the exchange of ideas, and the vibrant atmosphere make Kumartoli a must-visit destination during this grand celebration.
Cover image credits: Flickr/Paul Ancheta
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