Durga Puja in Delhi: Idolmakers of C R Park preserve traditions

For these craftsmen, it is not just work, it is a living tradition passed through generations (Photos: Aman Kanojiya)

Thousands of km away from their land, the idolmakers of C R Park in Delhi, have preserved the traditions of Durga Puja as the entire country prepares to welcome its favourite Goddess back home for its annual sojourn.

With barely a day to go before C R Park, a residential colony in south Delhi, receives its favourite guest of the year, the whole area wears a festive look.

Often called Delhi’s “Mini Bengal,” each year, during the Durga Puja, C R Park transforms into a hub of creativity and devotion. A number of pandals have already been erected and well-decorated, awaiting the arrival of Goddess Durga for its annual sojourn.

Not far from the pandals, in a small compound within C R Park, dozens of artisans and sculptors are working at a frenetic pace, hoping to meet the deadline for delivery of dozens of Durga idols that have been ordered by various pandals and other devotees. The compound is lined with wet clay, bamboo and vibrant colours as artisans meticulously craft idols of Goddess Durga.

Manik Pal, a skilled idol maker from Krishnanagar, West Bengal

the art of idol-making is more than a livelihood, it is a heritage

The finished idol, dressed and decorated, stands ready to be taken to the pandal

An artist concentrates while giving the Ganesha idol its eyes, a detail vital to the expression

Unfinished clay idols of Goddess Durga stand in a workshop at CR Park, New Delhi

In a hive of craft, unfinished idols stand poised for their final grace

An artisan mixes colours to paint the idols, preparing them for Durga Puja celebrations

Before the sacred 'Chokkhudan' ritual, the face of the Durga idol is veiled in cloth - a tradition that marks the final step before bringing the deity to life

The lion and Mahishasura depict Durga’s battle against evil

Rows of raw idols stand ready, each poised for the artistry that will give them soul

The brightly painted face of Mahishasura, the demon vanquished by the Goddess

A red Ganesha idol stands foregrounded by the rows of yellow-painted Durga figures

A low-angle shot captures the towering ten-armed Durga idol with its yellow base coat and striking eyes before final detailing

Amid raw clay, an artisan shapes Durga’s backdrop as the unpainted lion reflects her fierce spirit

In a bamboo-sheathed workshop, a raw clay Durga idol waits, her fierce face lit by a blue glow

For these craftsmen, it is not just work, it is a living tradition passed through generations (Photos: Aman Kanojiya)

For these craftsmen, it is not just work, it is a living tradition passed through generations. Meet Manik Pal, a skilled idol maker from Krishnanagar, West Bengal.

“I have been making idols for years, following the family tradition. Our base materials, clay, bamboo and grass, come from Delhi NCR, while the crowns, costumes, and other decorative items are brought from Kolkata to maintain authentic Bengali style,” Pal tells Media India Group.

The process of creating an idol is both challenging and intricate. “The most difficult part is preparing the base and building the structure. Only after the clay is applied layer by layer can we decide the final look, size, and design of the idol,” explains Pal.

Each idol is typically around 2 metres tall and takes at least one week for two craftsmen to complete, including the finishing touches. The most delicate work, he adds, is the face, especially the eyes.

“The eyes are the soul of the idol. They must be beautiful and detailed to bring life to the sculpture,” adds Pal.

Even as they manage to get all Durga idols sent on time, the artisans shift their focus to creating idols for Kali Puja. Sometimes, the unsold Durga idols are repurposed for Kali Puja to save both time and materials.

For Manik Pal, the busiest and most rewarding time of the year is Durga Puja, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi.

“These are our main selling seasons, and they keep our traditions alive,” he says.

At CR Park, the art of idol-making is more than a livelihood, it is a heritage, preserving Bengali culture in Delhi and contributing to the city’s rich cultural tapestry.