Kolkata: Potters Of Kumortuli Receive Relief Ahead of Durga Puja Celebrations

Atleast 70 potters of Kumortuli, Kolkata's traditional quarter, received a relief of Rs 4,000 from about 400 Durga Puja clubs. A press release regarding this was issued on September 17 by Saswata Basu, editor of Forum Of Durgatosab. Kumortuli is the hub of more than 500 artisans in Kolkata that make the iconic 'Durga Puja' idols every year. The help has come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The artisans of Kumortuli are facing huge losses this year owing to the rules that are followed by the clubs, which organize Durga Puja pandals. The rules include making small idols this year and a low-key celebration. One of the artisans of Kumortuli mentioned that many of the artisans have fled to their native places that has led to a labour crunch. He further told, "We have even written to the Chief Minister but have not received any reply yet."