Durga Idols getting smaller each year due to rising costs & focus on theme, say Kumartuli artisans

Kumartuli is a locality in Kolkata known for community of idol makers who create idols for various gods and goddesses.

With inflation and many community pujas along with housing complex pujas coming up everyday, Kumartuli artists have received more orders for idols with height close to 10 ft. “Most puja organisers wanted 10 ft or below idols this year,” said an artist.

It was in 2015 when social media was abuzz with discussions about an 80-ft high Durga idol in Kolkata. Prior to that in 2011, a 52-ft high Durga idol was placed at FD block puja pandal, in Kolkata.

Sharing insights into the international demand for Durga idols, Mintu Pal, a renowned clay idol maker from Kumartuli, said, last year he exported 20 idols to various countries, including the US (Chicago and Florida) and Australia. This year, Pal has sent a 10.6-ft Maa Durga idol to Spain. “The average height of idols sought by international buyers is typically between 6.5 and 8ft,” he noted.

Attributing the shrinking size of Durga idols to several factors, Pal explained that puja organizers are increasingly focusing on themes and lighting, often compromising on the size of the idols.

“Additionally, rising costs of materials, such as clay, have also contributed to the trend. Previously, a lorry of clay cost around Rupees 10-12 thousand when it was transported by boat. Now, with the shift to truck transportation, the cost has increased to Rupees 18,000,” Pal said.

While the overall number of Durga Pujas has increased, the preferred size of idols has decreased.

A Kumartuli artist highlighted the growing number of smaller residential pujas, which often prefer smaller idols for logistical and budgetary reasons. “There are too many residential complexes and para pujas nowadays. These pujas are typically smaller in scale, leading to a surge in demand for smaller idols. Puja organizers often prefer smaller idols to manage costs and logistics more efficiently,” he explained.

However, many prominent puja pandals in Kolkata still continue to install grand idols. Santosh Mitra Square, also known as Lebutola Park, is one such example.

BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh, president of the Santosh Mitra Square Durgotsab Samiti Puja, said, “We have a 14 ft Durga idol this year and like every year ours will continue to be grand.”

“We have a 12 ft Durga idol. I believe the shift towards theme-based pujas is a major factor. The size, color, and design of the idol are now chosen to complement the overall theme of the pandal,” artist Tushar Kanti Pradhan said.

Traditionally, Kolkata artisans have taken pride in creating towering Durga idols. However, the rising costs of clay, paint, and other materials have made it financially challenging to maintain the same scale. To manage costs effectively, artisans are now compelled to reduce the size of their creations.

Kumartuli artist Krishna Pal noted that out of the 20 Durga idol orders he’s received, 80 per cent are for idols between 8 and 10 ft tall. “Only one or two are larger than 14 ft. This indicates a clear shift towards smaller idols in the market,” he said.

Artist N Pal, who has received orders for 32 Durga idols, stated that he is creating idols ranging from 3.5 to 12 ft tall.

“A 3.5ft Durga idol costs Rupees 10,000, while a 12 ft idol costs between Rupees 80,000 and 1 lakh. In pre-COVID days, the same idols would have cost 8,000 and 60,000 rupees, respectively. There’s a significant demand for smaller-sized Durga idols due to the increasing number of residential complexes, each with its own puja. Larger Durga idols are primarily limited to a few major puja pandals,” he said.

Beyond financial constraints, logistical challenges associated with handling large idols have also contributed to the shrinking trend. Kolkata’s narrow streets and limited infrastructure make it difficult to transport and assemble massive statues. The risk of damage during transportation and the added complexity of handling large structures have prompted puja organisers to opt for more manageable sizes.

An puja committee president, on condition of anonymity, said, “While the shrinking of Durga idols may disappoint those accustomed to the towering figures, it is a reflection of the changing realities. As artists navigate challenges of rising costs and logistical constraints, they continue to strive to preserve the tradition of Durga idol making while adapting to the evolving circumstances.”

Sudarshan Haldar, an artist working with two puja pandals, one in Howrah and another in Kolkata,  said “Everything is becoming more expensive, there’s a huge demand for themed pujas. To accommodate budgets, idol sizes are being reduced.”