In the realm of Bengali culture and traditions, Durga Puja stands as the grandest and most cherished festival of all. The iconic celebration of female power spanning over four days is comparable to some of the world’s biggest shows such as The Burning Man or the carnival of Rio de Janeiro. Described as the largest global public art festival, Durga Puja provides a massive platform for all kinds of artists of Bengal to show their creativity in creating Durga idols.
Unfortunately, women have often been excluded from this practice because tradition dictates that only men can perform the rituals or create idols. Mousumi Sardar, a female potter, is carving a remarkable path as a pioneering idol-maker, defying patriarchal norms and transforming the landscape of idol-making.
Born and raised in a small village of Baruipur, Sardar faced significant challenges from a young age. “My own family objected to my work. It was unthinkable that a woman could make an idol like a man, ” she recalled. However, fuelled by her passion for clay artistry, Sardar forged ahead, determined to create a space for female talent.
While still learning from her father, an experienced idol-maker, she established her workshop along with her husband to alleviate financial difficulties. She began by assisting her husband with small sculptures but eventually started creating her own. “I was always drawn to this work. The process gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. I feel refreshed every time I finish making an idol. I cannot imagine doing any other work for a living,” said Sardar.
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The workshop, which started in a small space with her family, today provides jobs to 10-12 artists and functions throughout the year. The demand is so high that often Sardar has to refuse more assignments due to time and manpower constraints. Her art is now breaking barriers as she performs ‘chokkhudan‘, the drawing of the eyes on a Durga idol, the most appealing part of the goddess. For years, women were denied the right to draw the eyeball as it was considered unholy.
Sardar has built a reputation for her keen eye for detail and her commitment to quality. Her work now reaches thousands of people and not only highlights female artists but also inspires aspiring women to pursue their dreams.
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The lead image on top shows the female idol-maker Mousumi Sardar sculpting a statue of the goddess Durga.
Sudip Maiti is an independent photographer and filmmaker based out of Kolkata. He is the winner of Chennai Photo Biennale 2023.
