Journalism of Courage
As Durga Puja celebrations in Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi are in full swing, some artisans look back and narrate their experiences. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
The first stage of idol making is always very challenging, say artisans. "Attention to detail is of paramount importance. You can't possibly mould a disfigured hand or face. It needs to be fine-tuned over and over again. Even the lines on the palm are meticulously done. But once the first stage is done away with the rest falls in place," adds 24-year-old Mohan from Chandrapur, Kolkata. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"The last stage is to add shine to the idol, after that you're only left with the clothing and decoration. Here I am using varnish oil, which is a mixture of tamarind seed powder mixed with water. This is done to keep the shine permanent," said Mohan. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"If you notice carefully, the emotions and facial features of idols differ from pandal to pandal. Look at this sculpture and you instantly feel the pain, anguish and anger of the Asura. That's the motive. The way Asura is being attacked by the snake and the Lion reflect the ultimate triumph of good over evil, albeit more dramatized," says Mangal. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"Around 4-5 years back, we used to travel inside cramped compartments of the Kalka Mail. But for the past two years, we have been travelling in Rajdhani's 3 Tier AC trains. The event organisers are definitely making more money from Pujas than they did a few years back," quips Mohan. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"I don't know how to explain this, but the whole process of making the idols with love and utmost care, and then immersing it on Dashami, is something I still can't fathom," says Mangal, a young boy in his twenties. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"We always strive to better our work each year. A big challenge for us therefore is to make the idols more evocative so that when people look at them they should feel the positive vibes," says 35-year-old Ram Kumar from Bhowanipore, Kolkata. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
"The pressure of deadlines is tremendous. There were days when we've slept on an empty stomach," says 29-year-old Mangal aka 'Khaepa keshto'. "I get irritated very easily, that's why the name Khaepa," chuckles Mangal. (Express photo: Abhimanyu Chakravorty)
With a flood of advertisers during Durga Puja, Mohan feels the whole affair has become very commercial. "People are losing touch with their tradition because the Bengali youth today is more drawn towards the glamour attached with Pujo rather than god itself," adds Mohan.
