Festive season nears, yet Kumartuli struggles to bring its deities to life

With Ganesh Chaturthi, Vishwakarma Puja and Durga Puja on the horizon, Kumartuli would usually be buzzing with activity by this time of year. This year, however, that rhythm has faltered. In the cramped workshops of Kumartuli, stricter documentation requirements, monitored truck movements and tightened supply checks have slowed the flow of essential materials to a crawl. As workshops fill with unfinished kathamos, Kumartuli’s artisans find themselves negotiating not just with clay, but with an evolving system that is reshaping their centuries-old craft.

New system slows supply

A shortage of riverine soil has disrupted idol-making in Kumartuli, with artisans attributing the delay to a new regulatory framework governing its procurement and transport. According to Babu Pal, secretary of Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskrity Samity, authorities tightened oversight after finding that soil was allegedly being diverted elsewhere using the names of Kumartuli artisans. “If the law is followed strictly, we would not be able to get soil in the way it has been sourced until now,” he said. The new system requires detailed documentation of soil requirements, truckloads and transporters. Pal added that “everything has to be documented,” expressing hope that supplies will resume soon.

Fibre idols drive overseas demand

Overseas orders for Kumartuli idols remain largely unaffected by the clay shortage, as many export pieces are made using fibre-glass. Indrajit Pal, an idol maker, said international demand remains strong and workshops are preparing consignments to be shipped by sea or air. Meanwhile, representatives of Kumartuli Mritsilpa Sanskrity Samity are in talks with officials in Diamond Harbour and the local councillor to restore clay supply before the peak season. Ashok Pal said the association has submitted letters highlighting industry concerns and received assurances of greater transparency in the supply chain, expressing hope for an early resolution.

River clay supply disrupted

Kumartuli’s clay shortage has sparked concern ahead of the festive season, with artisans awaiting the specialised riverine soil essential for idol-making. Craftsmen say the fine clay traditionally sourced from Diamond Harbour has not arrived as expected this year, disrupting work at a crucial stage. Mahadev Pal, idol maker and assistant secretary of KMSS, said artisans have been waiting nearly two weeks for supplies now. “The kathamos are ready, but nothing can be done as there is no supply of clay,” he said, warning that delays could damage unfinished frames, as the straws can begin to fall off. He added that monsoon conditions have heightened concerns over production deadlines.

Artisans await resolution

The disruption appears to stem from uncertainty among those involved in extracting and transporting clay from Diamond Harbour. Clay supplier Ashok Pal said many collectors have become reluctant to continue operations after the new government came into power, noting, “The suppliers are scared. No formal instruction has been issued to stop supplying clay, but people are hesitant and are not willing to take risks.” He added that he has sought clarity from local authorities, but a resolution is still pending. The delay has left both suppliers and Kumartuli artisans awaiting administrative intervention, though representatives have met officials in Diamond Harbour and hope for a quick resolution.