(26 Aug 1995) Bengal/Nat
The craftsman of Kumartuly in north Calcutta are busy preparing statues of the Hindu Goddess Durqa for the famous Durqa Puja festival in mid September.
But their ancient skills are threatened as young craftsmen leave the trade to seek more lucrative work elsewhere.
The narrow muddy lanes of the Kumartuly neighbourhood in the north of Calcutta are home to one of India's richest craft traditions.
It is here that the statues of the Hindu Goddess Durqa are made for the famous Durqa Puja festival.
First of all, the craftsmen mix the clay which they use over a straw structure to form the goddess's body.
The idols are then carved to a high finish before being painted with bright colours and sealed with a layer of varnish.
Men and women, young and old - the ancient craft brings the entire community together.
The Pal family has been involved in idol making for as long as anyone can remember.
But as Mala Pal explains, this beautiful tradition could soon die out.
SOUNDBITE:
"There was a time when people from every corner used to come here to purchase idols and workers had their work. Compare that to the situation nowadays and the problems of workers have become very big. The workers who used to work here are leaving this profession because they earn more doing other jobs than they can earn from here. With all the other problems facing the idol-making profession the business is becoming more and more sick by the day."
SUPER CAPTION: Mala Pal, Craftswoman
As next month's festival approaches, craftsmen in Kumartuly are putting the finishing touches on their creations.
These idols will shortly be on sale across India as pilgrims prepare to converge on the River Ganges for the Durqa Puja.
The eight-day festival reaches a climax as the idols are ceremonially drowned in the sacred river.
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