1. The Art losing its Shine
Indranil Roy
Be it ‘Apu's Trilogy' or the iconic Coffee-House, Kolkata has always set the cultural benchmark in the
past but with the passing time, another Cultural Phenomenon of the City is losing it's creative
innovations – ‘Kumartuli'.
Kumartuli gains its prominence in the Puja seasons located near Sovabazar, North Kolkata. Many artists
who are called ‘Kumor' in Bengali are busy making Idols, Color, Frames, these scenes are very in the Puja
season. The art of making idols has passed on among the Artists from generations. The present
generation is not much interested in this profession. Despite their family tradition, they are now
increasingly interested in private sector jobs. Dhananjay Pal who is working is Kumartuli with a history of
five generation said, " My two sons are not much interested in getting involved in this profession. They
are now studying in an Engineering college and will make a career out of it. May be I am the last person
to work in this art form." The same voice is reflected from Pradip Rudra Pal, Gorachand Pal the other
famous Artists of Kumartuli.
Rudrajit Pal, the President Award winner Artist highlighted a different problem, " Every year the material
cost is increasing 30-40% along with the fees of the workers. But we are facing problems to get
revenues. In past days the artists got their values both economically and socially. But now everyone here
is facing the same problem.
From last few years, we are now engaging into theme Pujas where a Puja Pandal, Idol everything is
related with a particular thing. But this Theme-Pujas are making problems to the Kumartuli Artists. Every
year the Craftsmen are forced to make the idols on a theme basis, not the way they want. "I do not
know what is Theme Pujas. From last thirty-five years, I am working on the traditional ornaments, ‘Daker
Saaj'. Theme puja proves to be a hindrance to the cultural work. It is all about money," added Vijay
Ghosh.
Gopal Chandra Pal, who owned a studio in Banamali Sarkar Street from British period also sounds
concerned and requested the Government Officials to take some steps to save this Cultural Heritage of
the City of Joy. It is high time we take initiatives to revive this decaying art our motherland.