Visit Kumartuli

Countless effigies of deities are immersed in the holy river Hooghly during Kolkata’s colorful puja (offering or prayers). Most of these are created at specialist Kumar (potter-sculptor) workshops in the enthralling district of Kumartuli. The craftsmen here are at their busiest from August to October, creating straw frames, adding clay coatings and painting the divine features for the idols of Goddesses Durga and Kali. The potters use clay brought in from the riverside to shape into their idols. Kumartuli was established as an artisan’s colony during the British rule. Later on, their numbers dwindled and quite a few of them turned their complete focus upon idol-making for pujas held at mansions. Over time, their services were sought by community puja organizations as well.