The primitive Story of Heritage

Kolkata restored nostalgia in every season of the year.The saga continues from tram-rasta to kalibari, Gariahat to Hatibagan, Botanical garden to Eco Park.The fume of bonhomie makes the air condensed that kolkatans breathe emotion and transform it into their vein.

This Hullor-Loving community never feels tired to count the arrival of Durga-Pujo.Though the worldwide Bengalees are accustomed with the same feeling but Kolkata-r-pujo redefines it something beyond a festival.

 

History says Lord Rama started this Akalbodhan for the worship of women power.Since then the Saradia Durgotsav has celebrated in a grand way.This festival is inevitably associated with the grand Durga Idol with ten hands,riding upon the lion along with her children.This depiction is nothing but the intense imaginary artistic work of the artisans of kolkata's potter's quarter.Their touch of brush spells the determination of third eye, a smile with the combination of destroyer & savior, the unique creativity of the face with grace and anger tells the whole chronicle.

The History of this Artisan's area carries it's own phenomenon.Howell, under orders from the Directors of the British East India Company, allotted ‘separate districts to the Company’s workmen.’ These neighborhoods in the heart of the Indian quarters acquired the work-related names – Suriparah (the place of wine sellers), Collotollah (the place of oil men), Chuttarparah (the place of carpenters), Aheeritollah (cowherd’s quarters), Coomartolly (potters’ quarters) and so on.

Most of the artisans living in the north Kolkata neighborhoods dwindled in numbers or even vanished, as they were pushed out of the area in the late nineteenth century by the invasion from Burrabazar. In addition, Marwari businessmen virtually flushed out others from many north Kolkata localities. The potters of Kumortuli, who fashioned the clay from the river beside their home into pots to be sold at Sutanuti Bazar (later Burrabazar), managed to survive in the area. Gradually they took to making the images of gods and goddesses, worshipped in large numbers in the mansions all around and later at community pujas in the city and beyond.
In this way they started to create their own identity.Now a days their piece of work are receiving appraisal in overseas areas as well.They have adopted several ways to make their work unique.The paint,the oil brushes were so costly that the mid-level potters are unable to afford so they are making some natural color brewer that will gives the similar effect.

In this era of commercialization the work of pottery is becoming so hectic.They needs to meet up their regular deadlines as per the payment redress.Unfortunately the compromise in quality are not been accepted.

A mid-level potter showed his urge by saying"Now days it is difficult to wait till Mahalaya to draw the eyes of the Durga idol.But now a days inauguration is more important than rituals.So most of the idols are required to deliver before the Pitri-paksha ends." Their regular challenges are created by the sudden rain, Lack of maintenance, improper planning of small allies and so on.Then also their artistic eyes finds perfection in each and every touch of the sculpture.

 

 

This is the time when they earn for their whole year.Eventually this is their money-making season but in terms of earning more they never compromise with their devotion.This is the reason that their Protima seems so lively that depicts the real motherhood.

 

   

In this auspicious occasion of MAHALAYA when the wisps of white is shining to spread the fume of mother's arrival then also the  tedious arms of those artisans are creating spells.

Journey Through The Lenses

In Every year Durga puja brings an endless joy,happiness and emotions.This year it is just the beginning of Agomoni.Wish you every one a very happy and safe Puja.May Durga MA ushers her blessings to each and every familiesc of Bengal.