pritom ghosh
Kumartuli is the largest hub of Durga idols on the outskirts of Kolkata. The smell of wet clay from the Ganges and other rivers, the dry crackling of straw beneath one’s feet, the criss-cross patterns of bamboo spread out within the narrow confines of a ramshackle, eight-by-eight (8x8) studio, blend seamlessly to create the traditional homes of the artisans where Goddess Durga takes ‘birth.’
The name "Kumortuli" is derived from the original Bengali word ‘kumore’ derived from the purer word kumbhakaar, standing for artisans who work with metals to make vessels and utensils.
With the passage of time, it has corrupted itself to Kumartuli. Western literature references to the Pals as ‘kumars’ are wrong. ‘Tuli’ is a Bengali word that roughly translates as ‘a small space’ or a ‘place’ where the potters stay. Thus, the name ‘Kumartuli’ actually means the place where ‘kumars’ live.
shot @ kumartuli , Kolkata , west bengal
Kumartuli is the largest hub of Durga idols on the outskirts of Kolkata. The smell of wet clay from the Ganges and other rivers, the dry crackling of straw beneath one’s feet, the criss-cross patterns of bamboo spread out within the narrow confines of a ramshackle, eight-by-eight (8x8) studio, blend seamlessly to create the traditional homes of the artisans where Goddess Durga takes ‘birth.’
The name "Kumortuli" is derived from the original Bengali word ‘kumore’ derived from the purer word kumbhakaar, standing for artisans who work with metals to make vessels and utensils.
With the passage of time, it has corrupted itself to Kumartuli. Western literature references to the Pals as ‘kumars’ are wrong. ‘Tuli’ is a Bengali word that roughly translates as ‘a small space’ or a ‘place’ where the potters stay. Thus, the name ‘Kumartuli’ actually means the place where ‘kumars’ live.
shot @ kumartuli , Kolkata , west bengal