Embracing The Culture Of Crafting Bengal Clay Idols For Festivities

 As soon as you witness cotton-candy skies, morning showers of coral jasmine, and the weather turning a tad cooler, you get to know that the season of festivities has begun. Bengal has always embraced this festive season very uniquely, and this doesn’t begin with Durga Puja but rather commences with Ganesh Chaturthi. This diverse state embraces the culture of making clay idols for festivities and is worldwide known for its unique creations. 

 

The exceptionally talented craftsmen put their hearts into curating extraordinary Bengal clay idols for interior decor or puja purposes, adding a touch of cultural yet aesthetic elegance to their houses, offices, studios, etc. 

Significance Of Crafting Bengal Clay Idols For Festivities

Bengal’s tradition of crafting clay idols is a symbol of devotion, signifying the rich and religious history of this state. Most people think that handcrafted idols are particularly for major festivals like Durga Puja or Kali Puja; artisans from Kumartuli, Kolkata, open up about the high demand for clay idols in the city, irrespective of any celebration. This is because decorating your space with such uniqueness not only uplifts the vintage charm of the house but also reflects the heritage of Bengal. 

Clay Idols For Puja Purpose Or Decoration? 

If you want to provide your home with a vintage makeover, then opting for clay idols for home decor is a great idea. But given their religious significance, these idols are prayed to with utmost devotion. This is quite evident during Durga Puja, as this is the biggest festival of the year. While you’ll notice the magnificent Maa Durga idols in the pandals, at the same time, people worship smaller clay idols in private ceremonies at their homes.

The Procedure Involved in the Making of Clay Idols

The entire process of making Bengal clay idols requires an immense amount of hard work. This can be witnessed if you take a glance at the intricate clay sculptures made by any artist. The skilled craftsmen spend almost months and years crafting such unique masterpieces. 

The procedure of making clay idols begins with constructing a straw idol framework called “kumbhars” or "patuas." The divine and meticulous sculptures are created with straw, jute fibers, tamarind seeds, and rice husk by potters. Each part of the idol is precisely crafted and left in the sun to dry. The clay is originally sourced from the Ganges, popularly called “etel maati."  When the initial layer dries, the cracks in the idol framework are filled properly by using cloth strips, which creates a smooth surface to take on the next stage. 

In the next stage, a finer-quality clay is used called "bele-maati,” which provides a polished look to the idol. The artisans primarily focus on the intricacies of the face, fingers, etc. and are then laid out in the sun again for drying before proceeding with painting. Before painting, a base coat is applied to the entire idol, which is a mix of white paint and tamarind paste. 

The last step includes all the work that requires minute detailing. This includes adding accessories to make the idol look life-like, such as lashes, hair, clothing, jewellery, etc. 

Wrapping Up

The process of making Bengal clay idols beautiful reflects the creativity of such hardworking artisans who put their heart and soul into this making. The process begins months before the festivities commence, ensuring perfection at every step. Each idol crafted is not just a testimony of artistic finesse but also has a great spiritual significance.