Sculptors in Kumartuli bemoan shortage of clay, higher costs, intrusive content creators

Kolkata 

The idol-makers of Kolkata’s biggest potter colony in Kumartuli are facing an unprecedented problem in their profession — a shortage of clay during the peak festive season. The sculptors of Durga idols are paying hefty sums to get their hands on the good clay, many are lagging behind work, and struggling to make ends meet. 

“After speaking to the local MLA and party members, we were able to arrange some clay for this Durga Puja. But how will we manage during Kali Puja and the other upcoming festivals? This is only a stopgap arrangement,” Samir Pal, a senior member of the Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskriti Samiti, a sculptors’ association in Kumartuli, told The Hindu. 

Previously, truckloads of clay would be delivered to their area, and each artist purchased clay in bulk, but this year, the supply of clay was stopped in April-May following allegations of clay smuggling. “Our work was delayed by at least two months,” Mr. Samir Pal said. 

“We are now paying premium prices for the clay to ensure we can deliver the idols on time and keep up with customers’ demand,” another senior Kumartuli artist, Bankim Pal, said. 

High costs 

“We paid ₹40 per kilo for the same clay we used to buy for ₹10 per kilo. Will any customer pay the extra price? This year, it feels like the artists will go back home with empty pockets even though we are the ones who help decorate the pandals and pujas of every festival in Kolkata,” Mr. Bankim Pal said. 

The cost of accessories for the Durga idol, including jute for the deity’s hair, fabric for clothes, and other raw materials for jewellery, as well as decorations, has doubled since 2025, according to senior artists in the area. 

“This has become unsustainable. Who will pay for the extra costs? Customers come and bargain as if we are stealing from them. If we did steal, do you think we would live in such poor conditions?” an artist who wished to remain anonymous said. 

Even as they paid high prices for raw materials, worked in narrow workshops, and struggled to store finished idols, sculptors said, the huge influx of bloggers and influencers thronging Kumartuli during the festive season failed to be respectful of their work and workspace.

“They come and demand that we pose for photos. Sometimes they walk around the workshops without permission or care, and break idols. Who will bear this cost? They also take photos without our consent,” Mr. Samir Pal said. 

Social media content creators, in an attempt to get ‘exclusive’ shots, entered the homes of the artists, invading their personal space without consent, the sculptors said. “They have no respect for the artist, whom they shoot and put up on their social media for ‘likes’ from followers,” an artist said.