Durga Puja is Bengal’s biggest celebration, but the magic begins much earlier in Kumartuli or Kumortuli, a historic potters’ colony in North Kolkata. For over 300 years, generations of artisans have been shaping clay into goddesses and gods, keeping alive a tradition that blends history, heritage, and devotion.

The process starts with bamboo and straw frameworks, layered with clay from the Ganga, and comes alive with the sacred Chokkhudaan — the painting of the goddess’s eyes. The lanes here bustle with idol workshops, shops of ornaments, fabrics, and decorations, supporting an entire community of craftsmen.

Once patronized by Bengal’s zamindars, today Kumortuli artists send idols not only across India but also to Bengali communities worldwide. While challenges of low income and commercialization remain, the artisans continue to reinvent themselves, proving their artistry time and again.

A visit to Kumortuli before Puja is an awe-inspiring experience—watching the goddess slowly take shape in clay reminds us why she is not just worshipped, but welcomed as family as a daughter.

👉 If you’re in Kolkata during Durga Puja, don’t miss a walk through Kumortuli lanes — it’s a journey into the heart of tradition and creativity.

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