Artisans in Assam Create Colorful Durga Idols for Puja

In Guwahati, India, artisans are diligently preparing for the Durga Puja festival by crafting intricate clay idols of the Hindu goddess Durga. Kanchan Paul, a fourth-generation idol maker, is focused on painting the eyes of an 8-foot-tall idol, a task that requires both skill and a deep spiritual connection. His father, Ratan Paul, has been creating idols since 1975 and has adapted to the challenges posed by the rainy season by using wood fires to dry the idols more quickly. The traditional process involves constructing a bamboo and hay framework, which is then covered with a mud and jute fiber paste. The idols vary in style and features, reflecting the diverse artistic expressions of different workshops in the area. As the festival approaches, smaller idols are taken home by devotees, while larger ones are placed in community spaces for worship. The celebration culminates on the tenth day with the ceremonial immersion of the idols into rivers or other bodies of water, symbolizing the goddess's return to her celestial abode. This annual event not only showcases the artisans' craftsmanship but also reinforces cultural traditions and community bonds in Assam.