Kolkata Puja Committees Support Rural Artisans: As Durga Puja approaches, Kolkata’s most celebrated festival is not only about dazzling lights and towering pandals—it is also about livelihoods. This year, several Kolkata Puja Committees have stepped up to support rural artisans through a buy-local initiative, ensuring that traditional crafts find space in the city’s grandest celebrations.
The Buy-Local Movement Gains Ground
At a recent handicrafts fair organized by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI), nearly ten Durga Puja committees purchased artworks, jewellery, masks, and woodcraft directly from artisans. Committees like Tarun Sangha, South Kolkata Samaj Sebi Sangha, Shyampukur Street Sarbajonin, and Rammohan Sammiloni showed solidarity by backing rural creators instead of depending entirely on mass-produced decorative items.
Such collaborations not only generate income but also encourage the preservation of endangered folk traditions. More on the economic significance of Bengal’s handicrafts can be found in the British Council’s report on the creative economy around Durga Puja.
Rural Artisans at the Heart of the Drive
Among the artisans who showcased their work:
- Sonali Das, who makes jewellery pieces blending tradition and modern style.
- Ananto Sarkar from North Dinajpur, a woodcraft artisan specializing in intricate carvings and decorative masks.
- Saleha Chitrakar from West Midnapore, known for hand-painted works inspired by local folk traditions.
For these artisans, platforms like BNCCI’s fair provide vital market access. Many explained that city customers not only buy their work but also value the story and craft behind each piece.
Cultural Pride and Authenticity
Durga Puja has long been a canvas for Bengal’s creativity, but in recent years mass-produced materials—often plastic and synthetic—have overshadowed local crafts. By adopting the buy-local approach, puja committees hope to revive authentic folk traditions.
This cultural preservation resonates with UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja in Kolkata as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Supporting artisans ensures that this recognition is not only symbolic but also economically meaningful.
Voices from the Ground
Artisans expressed gratitude for the initiative:
- “When committees buy directly from us, it brings stability to our work,” said Ananto Sarkar, whose Gombhira masks were purchased for pandal décor.
- “This platform lets people see the effort behind every piece,” added Saleha Chitrakar, highlighting how urban audiences are often unaware of the hours invested in a single painting.
Puja organizers, too, voiced enthusiasm. Saswata Bose of the Forum for Durgotsab said, “Supporting artisans is not just an act of kindness, it’s an investment in our culture. Buying local should become a year-round habit, not limited to festivals.”
Why the Buy-Local Drive Matters
- Economic Empowerment: Money flows directly into rural households, strengthening local economies.
- Cultural Continuity: Traditions like terracotta art, hand-painted scrolls, and mask-making are preserved.
- Environmental Benefits: Handmade items often use natural and eco-friendly materials, unlike synthetic alternatives.
- Community Recognition: Artisans gain visibility, dignity, and new networks.
For more context on how traditional markets can be revitalized, see Digital Empowerment Foundation’s work with rural artisans in West Bengal.
Kolkata Puja Committees: The Challenges Ahead
While the buy-local push is a positive step, artisans continue to face hurdles:
- Seasonal Income: Demand peaks only during festivals.
- Logistical Barriers: Transporting fragile crafts from rural Bengal to Kolkata can be costly.
- Price Pressure: Committees often bargain, leaving artisans with low profit margins.
- Competition: Mass-produced decorative items remain cheaper and more accessible.
Experts argue that sustained change will require better policy support, fair-trade models, and digital platforms for artisans. For policy frameworks, the Ministry of Textiles’ Handicrafts section offers insights into schemes that could complement such efforts.
A Step Toward Inclusive Celebrations
Durga Puja is more than a festival—it is an economic ecosystem. From idol-makers in Kumartuli to light decorators in Chandannagar, thousands of livelihoods depend on it. Adding rural artisans to this chain creates a more inclusive and sustainable model of celebration.
The initiative also strengthens the emotional bond between urban Kolkata and rural Bengal, bridging a gap that has often left artisans invisible in mainstream markets.
Looking Forward
If more committees adopt the buy-local model, it could transform the festival economy. With proper planning, artisans can receive advance orders, secure better prices, and plan production sustainably.
The buy-local drive is a reminder that while Durga Puja dazzles with its scale, its true beauty lies in the hands of those who create—the unsung artisans of rural Bengal.
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