Ahead of Diwali and Kali Puja, traditional craftsmanship is taking center stage in the National Capital Region. Sculptor Padma Das, originally from Bengal and residing in Faridabad for nearly four decades, is busy crafting majestic idols of Goddess Kali. The demand for her hand-crafted statues extends far beyond local markets, drawing buyers and devotees from Gurugram and as far as Rajasthan. As one of the few artists in Faridabad specializing in traditional Kali idols, her workshop has become a prominent hub for festive preparations.
Four Decades of Craftsmanship and Rising Demand
Padma Das has lived and worked in Faridabad for about 40 years, dedicating her career to keeping traditional idol-making arts alive. For this festival season, her workshop has received orders for roughly 40 idols of varying dimensions. The sculptures range in size from compact two-and-a-half-foot structures to imposing statues standing six to seven feet high. Prices reflect the intricate work and scale required: smaller idols are priced between 7,000 and 8,000 INR, while larger, elaborate figures reach up to 20,000 INR, with medium-sized creations falling between 15,000 and 20,000 INR.
Artisanal Teamwork and Traditional Clay Blends
Crafting these idols is a meticulous, labor-intensive process that Padma Das executes alongside her husband and a dedicated team of 10 to 15 skilled artisans. Most of these craftspeople travel from Bengal specifically for the festival season. To ensure structural integrity and artistic beauty, each idol is constructed using a blend of four to five distinct varieties of soil. This mixture incorporates sand, ordinary soil, and fine sticky clay. The clay undergoes multiple stages of kneading and shaping before moving on to drying, painting, and intricate detailing.
Production Timeline from Durga Puja to Final Touches
The intensive phase of idol creation begins around the time of Durga Puja. Artisans typically have a window of about 15 to 20 days for primary construction, although foundational preparations start well in advance. Most of the idols for the current season have already been sculpted and painted. The remaining work focuses on final ornamentation, including fitting traditional crowns, hair, and ceremonial embellishments. Every idol produced this year has been built strictly according to prior customer orders.
Thriving Business Amid Rising Material Costs
Kali Puja is celebrated with great devotion across Faridabad and neighboring districts, driving consistent demand for authentic handmade idols. Despite increases in the cost of raw materials and decorative supplies this season, overall business has seen notable growth compared to the previous year. For Padma Das and her team, seeing their crafted deities dispatched to diverse worship venues and home shrines across state lines remains a source of deep artistic pride.
