Durga has taken a momentary back seat at the idol hub in Kumartuli and artisans are busy making Ganesh idols in the run-up to Ganesh puja.
There are about 6,000 Ganesh idols being made in Kumartuli this year, a jump by at least 1,000 from last year, said office bearers of the hub’s organisation of artisans.
The size of the idols varies from 2ft to 14ft at most studios in the hub.
There are more orders for Ganesh idols than Vishwakarma, said several artisans who have been in Kumartuli for the last 30-40 years.
“Even seven to eight years back there would be about 5,000 to 6,000 Vishwakarma idols being made in Kumartuli. But this year it was about 2,000. Lord Ganesha has replaced the demand for Vishwakarma,” said artist Mintu Pal.
“Almost all studios in Kumartuli are making Ganesh idols now, ranging from 20 to 40 each,” he said.
The sight of labourers coming to Kumartuli to place orders for Vishwakarma idols has gone down over the years, said Babu Paul, general secretary of the Kumartuli Mritshilpi Sanskriti Samity.
“Those who still organise Vishwakarma puja place orders locally,” he said. He has orders for 20 Ganesh idols this year. The number was 12 last year.
Vishwakarma puja is on September 18 and Ganesh puja on September 19. Most Ganesh idols will be delivered between September 15 and 17.
“Since only a few days are left for Ganesh puja, most artisans are busy completing the idols for it in their studios. So naturally, work on Durga idols has been kept on hold in the last seven days,” said Babu.
In many studios, the Ganesh idols have been placed in a line ahead of the Durga
idols.
“Durga idols are in the second line and Ganesh has now come to the first line,” said artist Achinta Basak.
Puja organisers who come to place orders have different specifications, artisans in Kumartuli said.
“Some of them want the Ganesh idol like it is in Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai. The craze for Ganesh puja is not just limited to Mumbai. We can feel the pulse of it in Calcutta as well,” said artist Prasanta Paul.
“Earlier, it was only a few puja organisers who would place orders for Ganesh idols but now housing societies are coming, too,” he said.
The lord of prosperity has found devotees in many households, the artisans said.
“We also make Ganesh idols of 2ft that people pick up for their homes. Many want to worship Lord Ganesh now,” Prasanta said.
To cater to the demand, the artisans are devoting most of their days and nights to Ganesh idols now.
“The demand was high last year, too, and we have made more idols this year. To meet the target and sell what we have made, our focus these coming six to seven days is on Ganesh. We still have time for Durga,” he said.
