Capturing Divine Craft: Pre-Puja Photography 2025 Illuminates Kumartuli’s Artistic Soul

In the heart of North Kolkata’s historic Kumartuli, where clay breathes life into divinity, the Pre-Puja Photography 2025 event unfolded as a visual ode to tradition and craftsmanship.

Organized by “Fame_the_move” under the banner of Gandharbi CMAC—a society devoted to celebrating North-East Indian culture—the project aimed to spotlight the unsung artisans behind Bengal’s iconic Durga Puja idols.

On 7 September 2025, renowned Kolkata-based artist Sudip Kumar Ghosh turned his lens toward the soul of Kumartuli, capturing evocative frames that echo the rhythm of devotion and the quiet resilience of the sculptors.

Each photograph tells a story of heritage, labor and artistry, inviting viewers to witness the sacred transformation of clay into goddess.

This initiative not only preserves the visual legacy of Kumartuli but also raises awareness about the challenges faced by its artisans—guardians of a centuries-old tradition.

Framing Devotion: Photography That Honors Kumartuli’s Living Art

In the sacred lanes of Kumartuli, where clay transforms into divinity, each photograph was taken with reverence—never intruding, always observing.

The lens moved gently, honoring the artisans’ rhythm, ensuring their creative flow remained untouched. The focus lay in the details: the curve of a goddess’s eye, the texture of her crown, the quiet strength in every sculpted gesture.

Natural light bathed the idols in warmth, while subtle experiments with artificial lighting revealed hidden contours and divine expressions. What emerged was not just documentation, but a visual symphony that captured Kumartuli’s soul—its artistry, its silence, its sacred pulse.

Through the Lens of Tradition: Kumartuli’s Artisans in Focus

In the winding alleys of Kumartuli, North Kolkata, where clay meets devotion, a photography event unfolded to honor the hands that sculpt the soul of Durga Puja.

Renowned artist Sudip Kumar Ghosh, Kolkata, captured the essence of this historic neighborhood—its artisans immersed in the quiet magic of creation.

“Kumartuli is a living canvas,” he shared, “where every frame tells a story of heritage and hope.”

Yet behind the beauty lies a fragile reality.

“These artists face economic hardship, especially in the off-season,” Sudip Kumar Ghosh added.

AS PUJA PREPARATIONS BEGIN, THESE IMAGES SERVE AS A REMINDER THAT BEHIND EVERY IDOL STANDS A COMMUNITY OF CREATORS WHOSE HANDS SHAPE THE SPIRIT OF CELEBRATION.

“Through photography, we not only celebrate their craft but also shine a light on their struggles.” Each image becomes a tribute—not just to the idols, but to the lives that shape them.

Images: Sudip Kumar Ghosh