As one walks down the lanes, some artists are seen concentrating on the preparation of ornaments for the Goddess, as well as making beautiful motifs for the decoration of pandals. Swapan Pal, an artist working on the ornaments of Goddess Durga has been in the profession for over 20 years. Weaving golden and silver threads together and adding sequins and pearls for a gaudy look is what he has been doing over the years. “Our products are more in demand in states other than West Bengal. The artists come and take these ornaments for decorating the idols of Ma Durga”, says Swapan Pal. Shops lined in the lanes display these ornamental items, as a group of artists outside these shops are working skillfully on the idols, giving finishing touches to them.

Our team wonders – Don’t these artists rest? “Arey didi, kaaj to shesh kortei hobe. Pujo to chole eseche” (Sister, we must complete our work. Puja is already knocking at the door), says an artist without even looking up from the statue he is busy finishing. Babu Pal, the secretary of the Kumartuli Clay Artists’ Association smiles and says, “This is the case every year. During the last few days before Durga Puja, our artists work non-stop as we have to complete the idols by Mahalaya”.