The Potters of Kumartuli – Where the Durga Puja Story Begins

The Potters of Kumartuli – Where the Durga Puja Story Begins

Durga Puja, the annual worship of the Hindu Goddess Durga, is about to begin in Calcutta, India. The festival lasts the better part of a week and is embraced by the entire city. It has been compared to Christmas, New Years, and Mardi Gras all rolled into one!

Kumartuli Potters

The puja effigies of Durga and her consorts are made in Kumartuli, Calcutta’s potter’s town, just as they have for over half a century.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

The idols are made from straw and bamboo. The clay is dug from the holy River Hooghly. The entire creation process, from the collection of clay to the ornamentation, is governed by Hindu rites and traditions.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

When the sculpting is complete and the clay has dried, the effigies are brilliantly painted, dressed, and decorated.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

There is little time for rest or even a cup of masala chai.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

The idols are then assembled and rushed off to the Pandals, which are festival sites, scattered around the city, and the puja then begins in earnest.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Finally, Durga and her entourage are brought to one of the city’s many ghats for immersion, into the River Hooghly, and entreated to return again next year, an important part of the ritual.

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

Kumartuli Potters

No sooner have the idols splashed into the river, they are salvaged and recycled for future use.

Ron Mayhew

Fine Art Photographer specializing in Still Life and Commercial Photography.

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