Sculptors in Kumartula complain about shortage of clay, higher costs, intrusive content creators

Artisans work on idols of Goddess Durga in Kumartuli, Kolkata’s historic pottery district, as they prepare clay idols ahead of the Durga Puja festival. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Calcutta

Idol makers of Kolkata’s largest pottery colony in Kumartuli are facing an unprecedented problem in their profession — shortage of clay during the peak festive season. Sculptors of Durga idols pay hefty sums to get their hands on good clay, many fall behind in their work and struggle to make ends meet.

“After consulting local MLAs and party members, we have been able to arrange some clay for this Durga Puja. But how will we manage it during Kali Puja and other upcoming festivals? This is only a temporary arrangement,” Samir Pal, senior member of Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskriti Samiti, an association of sculptors in Kumartuli, told The Hindu.

Earlier, trucks of clay were delivered to their area and each artist used to buy clay in bulk, but this year the supply of clay was stopped in April-May following allegations of clay smuggling. “Our work has been delayed by at least two months,” said Samir Pal.

“We are now paying premium prices for clay to ensure that we can deliver the idols on time and keep up with customer demand,” said another prominent Kumartuli artist, Bankim Pal.

High costs

“We paid ₹ 40 per kilo for the same clay we used to buy at ₹ 10 per kilo. Will any customer pay the extra price? This year, it looks like artistes will go home with empty pockets even though we are the ones who help decorate pandals and pujas at every festival in Kolkata,” said Mr. Bankim Pal.

The cost of accessories for the Durga idol, including jute for the deity’s hair, cloth for clothing and other raw materials for jewelery and decorations, has doubled since 2025, according to senior artists in the field.

“This has become unsustainable. Who will pay the additional costs? Customers come in and bargain as if we are stealing from them. If we were stealing, do you think we would be living in such bad conditions?” said the artist, who wished to remain anonymous.

Even though they paid high prices for raw materials, worked in cramped workshops and struggled to store the finished idols, the sculptors said, the huge influx of bloggers and influencers thronging Kumartula during the festive season failed to respect their work and workspace.

“They come and demand that we pose for photos. Sometimes they go around the workshops without permission or care and break the idols. Who will bear the cost? They also take photos without our consent,” said Samir Pal.

In an attempt to get “exclusive” footage, social media creators entered the artists’ homes and invaded their personal space without consent, the sculptors said. “They have no respect for the artist they shot and put on their social media for ‘likes’ from followers,” the artist said.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 08:26 IST