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The Making of Godess Durga Most of the images
worshipped in different Puja pandals of Calcutta are actually
modelled in Kumartuli,near Sovabazar in Calcutta. Kumartuli
has been the nerve centre of image making for more than a
century. Many of the present day clay modellers owe their
origin to the famous clay modelling clans of Nadia district
in West Bengal, though there are many exceptions nowadays.
This form of art has been a hereditary aspect of the people
of Kumartuli. However, as time has passed by, various changes
in the iconography of the Goddess has been noticed time and
again. Kumartuli clay modellers are the people who have given
form to the changing tastes of Calcuttans. Kumartuli even
exports the images to USA and other countries, where Durga
Puja have also gained popularity, thanks to the increasing
population of Bengalis there. However, the local market for
them does not bear as good a picture. Cost of raw materials
have gone high, while that boom is absent in the sale price.
Many of the children of these artisans have left their hereditary
profession for good and joined other more remmunerative professions.
However, one can only hope that days shall change for the
Kumartuli, helping this age old heritage to survive.
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