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| ছবি © রাহুল ভট্টাচার্য/ পিক্সাবে |
Saikat Mukherjee
Kumortuli, with its generations of artisans engaged in making clay idols, has secured a place in th yge lexicon of Bengali culture. The dingy lanes, muddy corners, puddles, tarpaulins and rows of painted, unpainted and half-painted idols of the ten-armed goddess frozen in the act of killing the demon, her four wards and their carrier animals, in unabashed nudity towering over the artisans silently kneading clay or mixing colors — A live art gallery!
• Eye Spy :
A glimpse of a semi finished Durga idol visible through a gap of a closed potter's workshop at Kumortuli. Kumortuli is traditionally a potters' quarter. They not only supply clay idols of Hindu gods and goddesses to community pujas in Kolkata and its neighborhoods but a number of idols are exported.
• Inside Access :
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is called the merciful one, the victorious one, the terrible and beautiful one, the auspicious one, the three-eyed one, the beautifully attired one and above all the Mother. Her victory over evil is hailed. Her immense strength, immeasurable power and her beauty are praised. From age to age, in life after life she descends upon earth to destroy evil power. She rises up amidst the darkness. A potter's workshop at Kumortuli.
• Worship of Womanhood :
Every year, the entire Bengali community and people from all walks of life rise up to one of the greatest occasions of India - Durga Puja. It is the festival of homecoming as Goddess Durga arrives on Earth. Mahalaya marks the arrival of Durga, who is considered the ultimate woman and the greatest source of power. The festival kicks off spreading happiness and joy.
Lot of skill goes in making the head of the idols of goddess Durga. It is generally done by the highest graded artists. The artisans make the head of the goddess with fine clay creating each feature with great care and skill. Liquid plaster of paris is poured over it to create a mould. On drying, the mould is then separated from the clay head. This mould being hollow is then used to create innumerable clay heads and are attached to body only just before the idols are prepared for painting.
The Fat Boys :
It is clearly impossible to set out with the expectation of capturing emotions in the streets every time I go on a photo walk. Serendipity will play a big part in the outcome of my quest to find humor in the streets. Here an artist is preparing a clay idol of Lord Ganesha at Kumortuli, a traditional potters’ quarter. I find the similarity between their bellies which is quite unexpected and unusual. I believe that the number one rule in photography is respect. So captured him without his face.
• Tagged :
A Bengali handwritten placard which reads 'Goddess Durga is available for sale' is for public display at Kumortuli. As if the idol is promoting herself. An example of marketing management.