Dallas, Vienna, Singapore outsource their Durga to Kumartuli

It’s a different kind of outsourcing story that’s reflected on the relaxed face of Kaushik Ghosh, owner of Amarnath Ghosh Studio. One of the 350-odd establishments of its kind here, Ghosh Studio has exported 20 idols this year, ‘‘mainly to the US, Europe and Singapore’’.

Then there’s Shilpalaya owner Gopal Sarkar, who has exported three idols ‘‘to France, Italy and England’’.

And 76-year-old Gaurbabu, who has discovered the quickest door out this Puja. One that opens in just a few clicks. ‘‘We began surfing the Internet in March this year. In April, we got an order from Dallas,’’ he says.

Kumartuli, they agree, is no longer a mere colony of clay artistes. It has become a global shopping centre for Durga idols, and the demand is rising.

Says Kaushik Ghosh: ‘‘This year we sent three idols more than last year. We sent seven idols to America, one to Germany, one to Vienna, two to Canada, one to Singapore and two to England. I don’t remember the names of other places right now, but we began sending them abroad from March this year.’’

Of course, the new market means new demands. Clay dug out from the depths of the Hooghly is making way for fibre glass and idols, wrapped in Styrofoam, are transported by air.

The price? That’s a closely guarded secret, though at home the bigger idols would cost Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

For Kaushik Ghosh, even the Indian market is booming, with his idols now moving to other states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan and Mumbai.

But other artistes in Kumartuli point out that Ghosh, Sarkar and Gaurbabu are among the lucky few. Those stuck to the local market say this year had nothing much to shout about.

Racing to meet their October deadlines, the rains and rising raw material costs has been a dampener.

‘‘The rising prices of raw material, like bamboo, ropes made of coconut fibres, jute and even the special clay, are adding to the difficult situation. Competition is also coming in the form of more artistes taking to the profession outside Kumartuli,’’ says Babu Pal, secretary, Kumartuli Mritshilpo Sanskriti Samiti, an umbrella organsation for artistes here.

‘‘Kumartuli has everything. Artistes, proximity to raw material and business potential. The only thing we need is a bit of a push by the state government to turn Kumartuli into a centre of excellence and flourishing trade in the heart of Kolkata,’’ he says.