MURTIKAR @ DURGA PUJA
Making the Durga idol takes four to five months. The work is staggered on account of other festivals when idols of other deities are in demand like during Vishwakarma Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi. Since the lockdown announcements, the century old idol makers’ lane in Kumortuli, North Kolkata was all deserted. It is one of the largest idol making hub in India making and exporting idols worldwide. Kumor in Bengali means Potter and Tuli means Hub.
The making of the Durga Idol is not limited to Kumortuli or West Bengal. These idol makers are now available all over India and facing the same problem. In addition, they are more worried as Artists/Expert man-power are unable to reach other part of the India due to restricted Train movement. The gradual evolution of the Durga idols from clay and straw to a beautiful Goddess takes time and consists of different steps. For example, experts in clay modeling reach early whereas the role of painters starts 15-20 days before Durga Puja. The delay in issuing the guidelines various State Governments relating to idol height is also a big issue for them. Online orders and discussing the idol type on video call are in the process but personal human touch is what organisers are missing.
Digital Durga Puja is in the process of preparing a Directory of Idol Makers available all over India. If interested, join us.
