How the Artisans of Kumartuli bring Clay Idols to Life
Nestled between the narrow bylanes of North Kolkata is a place where tradition is renewed with the making of clay idols, that grace pandals on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. We are talking about Kumartuli, a bustling hub for local artisans where each craft is steeped in an age-old tradition that speaks volumes about the Bengali culture. In this blog, we will shine the spotlight on the artisans of Kumartuli and the idol-making process during Durga Puja.
A Brief History of Kumartuli
Kumartali unlike today was a caste-based quarter exclusively meant for potters or kumbhars. In the 1700s British India, several caste-based quarters were alloted by the British East India company to people from different occupations and Kumartuli was one of these. The availability of soft, fertile clay is the reason for the making of earthenware by the community in the region. Today, it's a heritage site and a popular spot for someone who wishes to immerse in the traditional history of idol-making.
Demand of Kumartuli Idols during Durga Puja
Before the festive season approaches, a pool of demands from India and abroad starts pouring in for the artisans of Kumartuli. The strict deadlines might seem to be painstaking for them but their years of practice in idol-making has honed them into skilled craftsmen, ready to deliver their stunning craft in the nick of time.
A Brief History of Kumartuli
Kumartali unlike today was a caste-based quarter exclusively meant for potters or kumbhars. In the 1700s British India, several caste-based quarters were alloted by the British East India company to people from different occupations and Kumartuli was one of these. The availability of soft, fertile clay is the reason for the making of earthenware by the community in the region. Today, it's a heritage site and a popular spot for someone who wishes to immerse in the traditional history of idol-making.
Demand of Kumartuli Idols during Durga Puja
Before the festive season approaches, a pool of demands from India and abroad starts pouring in for the artisans of Kumartuli. The strict deadlines might seem to be painstaking for them but their years of practice in idol-making has honed them into skilled craftsmen, ready to deliver their stunning craft in the nick of time.
Also Read: Mahalaya: All You Need to Know
Six Step Process of Idol-Making
A sturdy, wooden structure is the foundation in the making of an idol which is then followed by stacks of hay and layers of clay. To give the idol a definite form and shape, subsequent layers are added and the clay figures are traditionally sundried. With the help of a jute or cotton cloth, the clay is eventually smoothed out. This step is followed by painting the idols of Maa Durga and her children and draping clothes with the help of a glue that is traditionally made from siris tree.
Chokhudaan
In the final stage of the idol-making process and the auspicious morning of Mahalaya, comes the Chokhudaan, where the eyes of Goddess Durga are painted, a sacred moment that symbolises the awakening of the divine feminine force. Since the eyes are the gateways to the soul, this ritual beautifully symbolises the homecoming of the mother.
Bottom Line
Kumartuli is the ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts and history lovers who want to deep dive into the soul of Kolkata's artistry. One cannot miss out on the aroma of wet clay in these thatched workshops, an auspicious reminder of the onset of autumn and the quintessential Durga Puja experience.
Six Step Process of Idol-Making
A sturdy, wooden structure is the foundation in the making of an idol which is then followed by stacks of hay and layers of clay. To give the idol a definite form and shape, subsequent layers are added and the clay figures are traditionally sundried. With the help of a jute or cotton cloth, the clay is eventually smoothed out. This step is followed by painting the idols of Maa Durga and her children and draping clothes with the help of a glue that is traditionally made from siris tree.
Chokhudaan
In the final stage of the idol-making process and the auspicious morning of Mahalaya, comes the Chokhudaan, where the eyes of Goddess Durga are painted, a sacred moment that symbolises the awakening of the divine feminine force. Since the eyes are the gateways to the soul, this ritual beautifully symbolises the homecoming of the mother.
Bottom Line
Kumartuli is the ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts and history lovers who want to deep dive into the soul of Kolkata's artistry. One cannot miss out on the aroma of wet clay in these thatched workshops, an auspicious reminder of the onset of autumn and the quintessential Durga Puja experience.
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