The lanes of Kumartuli is a must if you’re visiting Calcutta – or Kolkata as is the city’s official name. This is where potters make idols – not only objects of religious importance but also symbols of Bengali culture.
I have been there several times and enjoyed the handicraft being carried out. Even though I have come across a female artisans, they have mostly been men.
Kumartuli is a village within the vast city of Calcutta and found in North Calcutta, close to river Hooghly. It’s a fascinating area, it is like stepping into another time. Except from the omnipresent smart phone …
Kumartuli, also known as Coomartolly, dates back to the Colonial Era when districts were divided based on occupation – such as Suriparah (wine sellers), Collohtollah (oilmen), Chuttarparah (carpenters), Aheeritollah (cowherds) and Coomartolly (potters).
That’s how the potter’s district came into existence.
The artistic work is based on eco-friendly natural clay, bamboo, dry straw, mud, and soil. Thousands of idols are created for the Hindu festivals. The process involves careful molding, sculpting, and painting of the idols and the tradition has been passed down through generations.
The festival of Durga Puja takes place every September/October. It is an important festival which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. For this, idols are in high demand. For the potters, who depend on idol making to secure their income, the festival is extremely important.
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