According to the Department of Tourism of West Bengal, over 10 million people gather on the streets of Kolkata during the final weekend of Durga Puja, making it one of the largest public celebrations globally. The Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Diwali festivals are some of the most significant religious and cultural events in India, drawing millions of people each year.

 

Artisans in Kolkata’s Kumartuli neighborhood play a crucial role in the creation of these revered idols. Their work extends throughout the year but reaches an intense peak during the final months, as demand for Durga Puja and Diwali surges. Samar, a workshop owner, begins his day at 8 a.m. and works tirelessly until nearly 9 p.m., racing to fulfill orders in time for the festivals.

Yet behind the beauty and devotion these idols inspire lies a stark contradiction. The very artisans who sculpt these sacred and often expensive figures live and work in conditions that are anything but dignified. Over ten workers sleep crowded together in a low attic above the workshop, resting on flattened cardboard where there isn’t even room to stand upright. The space is hot, dimly lit, and offers little ventilation or comfort.

During Diwali, while others celebrate with their families, artisans like Babon remain in the shadows of their workshops, surrounded by half-finished idols and the relentless hum of production. Despite the immense cultural and economic value of their work—and the significant profits generated during festival season—their pay remains very low, and their contributions largely unrecognized. It is a sobering paradox: the tough conditions, the resilience, and the often-overlooked humanity of those who bring these cultural symbols to life.

Calcutta, India. October 2024. Miguel SR & Pablo Feito (writer)

Story Link:  Shaping the Gods