Kolkata Artisans Breathing Life Into Clay Idols At Vizag
Most artisans arrive in Visakhapatnam by June, ready to immerse themselves in the creative process. Srinivas, who operates from a tent in Lawsons Bay Colony, is currently getting crafted 120 idols with meticulous care and deep emotional and spiritual dedication.
VISAKHAPATNAM: For the past three months, groups of dedicated artisans from Kolkata have been working tirelessly in Visakhapatnam, transforming soft clay into exquisite festive masterpieces of Lord Ganesha for Ganesh Chaturthi and Goddess Durga for Dasara.
Their artistry, rooted in tradition and devotion, has turned the city into a vibrant hub of spiritual craft. They have set up around 30 tents across the key neighbourhoods of Vizag, each one showcasing labour, love and legacy of these seasonal craftsmen.
Whether in Shankaramatham, Akkayyapalem, Allipuram, One Town, Kancharapalem, Gopalapatnam, Vepagunta, Pendurthi, Gajuwaka or Gantiada, these workshops will be sending beautifully sculpted idols into homes and community spaces, spreading joy, reverence and festive spirit.
In a commendable move, all idols are primarily made of clay, bamboo sticks, grass, natural fibres and jute or cotton ropes. Significantly, the idol makers emphasise their commitment to sustainability. They source clay not only from Kolkata but also from local brick kilns and riverbeds. This approach reduces ecological impact and strengthens community ties by supporting local suppliers.
Keta Srinivas, who has been in the idol-making business for over 30 years, shared his story with Deccan Chronicle. This year, he began coordinating with artists from Kolkata as early as February, securing their participation well in advance.
“The demand for skilled idol makers surges during Vinayaka Chavithi and Durga or Kali Puja,” he explained. In places like West Bengal and Odisha, demand for them is intense. “We book artists early, sometimes with advance payments, to ensure their availability,” he stated.
Most artisans arrive in Visakhapatnam by June, ready to immerse themselves in the creative process. Srinivas, who operates from a tent in Lawsons Bay Colony, is currently getting crafted 120 idols with meticulous care and deep emotional and spiritual dedication. He hopes his seasonal endeavour continues to provide him meaningful income this year too.
