KOLKATA: Idol manufacturers in Kumartuli have started receiving more orders than earlier years. However, the idols ordered are shorter in size than before, courtesy a large number of big ticket Pujas cutting down their budgets. They are also avoiding theme puja plans that involve specialised artisans outside the potters’ colony and going back to smaller community pujas with traditional idols.
“Business has suddenly peaked in the last few weeks and now I have over 12 orders from some of the city’s major Puja organisers. Though the idols are shorter in size and are priced almost half than earlier years, the situation is way better than what we had expected even a month and half ago,” said artisan Bholanath Pal.
"It is a positive sign. Things may not be back to pre-pandemic levels but a gradual return to near-normalcy is welcome. All stakeholders — artisans, customers and government agencies — must adopt the requisite safety measures so that commerce does not become a cause for concern and can go on unhindered-TimesView"
Artisans Mintu Pal and Indrajit Pal said along with traditional idols, they also have a dozen odd orders for thematic idols and have their hands full this year. “Over the last few years, the focus of puja organisers had shifted from the idols to theme based pandals and lighting. Covid has given us an opportunity to bring the focus back on idols, for which Kumartuli is known for. No doubt profits have come down but I am glad the buzz is back at Kumartuli,” said Indrajit Pal.
China Pal, the woman artisan at Kumartuli who had kept away from the hype over thematic Durga idols these past years is also much in demand. “I always prefer crafting traditional Durga idols. This year, it's good to see other artisans going back to their roots and sticking to traditional idols which are in vogue this time,” she said.
The stress on traditional idols has also brought sellers of chalchitra and daaker saaj and traditional costumes, ornaments and weapons back into business. “Theme pujas had pushed us out of business. It’s good to be back in the fray again,” said Sandip Das, an employee at a Kumartuli shop selling Durga ornaments, weapons and other traditional decorations.
