Come Durga Puja, overseas devotees may see Goddess’ idols with a new twist

New Jersey: Several idols of Goddess Durga are being sent overseas from Kolkata, with a unique twist this year.

While around 100 idols adhere to the traditional 'saveki' style, at least two idols have a contemporary theme and are ready to be shipped overseas.

Renowned idol-maker Bhabatosh Sutar crafted a fiberglass idol based on the theme 'Basundhara' (Mother Earth) for the puja organizer Utsov Inc. in New Jersey.

Sutar said, “This innovative idol, made over six months, symbolizes Mother Earth and embodies peace and serenity in a sitting posture. This is the first time an idol based on an idea is being sent outside the country.”

Artist Kaushik Ghosh from Kumartuli received orders for 37 Durga idols from abroad. One of them has come from Dubai and they are focusing on world peace. The 12-foot idol, still in progress, depicts the Goddess in a sitting posture on a lotus.

Although theme-based idols are not popular among the Bengali diaspora living abroad, the demand for traditional idols remains high.

Clay modeler Mintu Pal received orders for at least 10 pujas abroad, including Sharjah, Germany, and the UK. He recalled, “I sent a theme idol with a black stone effect to Australia in 2018, symbolizing peace and tranquility. However, the preference for the traditional 'saveki' look has always been dominant.”

Artist China Pal, sculpting three idols for Durga Puja—one for Kashmir, one for Bhopal, and the third for a UK-based individual also confirmed.

“The organizers outside Bengal consistently choose the traditional style for their idols. The craftsmen and artists involved in idol-making have maintained the sanctity of the 'saveki' style while creating the idols, as the Bengali diaspora organizers believe in preserving the traditional look,” Pal said.

As the festive season approaches, the idols of Goddess Durga from Kolkata will be shipped to various places including European countries, the US, and Japan. They embody the essence of Bengali culture and tradition.

Inputs from PTI