Overview
- Features: Alleys where clay idols of Hindu gods and goddesses are made
- Opening Times: 10am to 5pm, daily
- Best Time to Visit: August to September
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Travelled By: Metro
- Cost: Free
- Address: Kumartuli, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Type: Market
Author Reviews[display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”2″ rating_entry_ids=”1″ show_category_filter=”false” show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”false” ]
Total Rating: [display_rating_result rating_form_id=”2″ show_count=”false” show_rich_snippets=true] [accordions load=”1″] [accordion title=”User Reviews” last] [display_rating_item_results rating_form_id=”5″ show_options=”true” result_type=”star_rating” preserve_max_rating=”true” show_title=”false” show_count=”true” show_rich_snippets=true] [/accordion] [accordion title=”Add Review”][display_rating_form show_email_input=”true” show_comment_textarea=”true” show_name_input=”true” rating_form_id=”5″] [/accordion] [/accordions]
Summary
South of the Dakshineshwar temple, off Chitpur Road is Kumartuli, a maze of alleys, where images of various Hindu gods and goddesses are made. Many of the giant god effigies that are immersed in the holy Hooghly during Kolkata’s colourful pujas have been made by the kumar (sculptors) of this enthralling district. Visit Kumartuli in August and September for a memorable experience.
Kumartuli Kolkata
South of the Dakshineshwar temple, off Chitpur Road is Kumartuli. Literally, the “Area of the Potters”, Kumartuli is a maze of alleys, where images of various Hindu gods and goddesses are made. Many of the giant god effigies that are immersed in the holy Hooghly during Kolkata’s colourful pujas have been made by the kumar (sculptors) of this enthralling district. For generations they have been making life-size idols for the pujas or festivals, particularly of goddess Durga on a lion, slaying the demon.
The best time to visit is late August and early September as this is when the potters create the idols for the ten-day-long Durga Puja. As the time of the Puja approaches, you will see thousands of images, often very brightly painted and gaudily dressed, awaiting the final finishing touch by the master painter.
[singlepic id=407 w=720 h=560 float=center]
It is fascinating the watch them at work, moulding the clay, strengthened by straw and pith, to create images of the fish-eyed goddess Durga, her face often modelled on popular Hindi film actresses and her hair long and flowing. Different workshops specialise in creating the straw frames, adding clay coatings or painting the divine features. The images are usually unbaked since they are immersed in the holy river at the end of the festival.
[singlepic id=408 w=720 h=560 float=center]
There are also shola artists who make decorations for festivals and weddings.
There’s a great selection of workshops on the narrow lane running two blocks west from 499 Rabindra Sarani. Where that makes a T-junction turn right for more (Bonomali Sakar Street). That road ends 300 metres north at Durgacharan Banerjee Street. Turning left here brings you quickly to Kumartuli Ghat where the sculptors’ mud-clay is brought in by boat.
[singlepic id=431 w=720 h=560 float=center]
Getting to & from Kumartuli
Kumartuli is located off Chitpur Road, south of Dakshineshwar temple. The most affordable way to get here is on the Metro; get off at Sovabazar Sutanuti Metro Station. From here it’s about a 500 metre walk to the alleys of Kumartuli. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Kumartuli or hire a private car with chauffeur for the day from your hotel or a reputable travel agency. Buses also stop here; get off at Sovabazar bus stop on Sovabazar Street.
