Bengali Artisans Bring the Essence of Durga to Surat in Advance of Navratri

Surat :  During the months leading up to the joyous Navratri celebration, a slew of skilled Bengali craftsmen travel to Surat, bringing with them the knowledge and expertise necessary to create the ethereal and exquisite idols of Goddess Durga. Skilled in the fine art of carving, these craftspeople go from their home in West Bengal to Surat, a city known for showering idolaters with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi.

These Bengali sculptors have made Surat their second home, devoting themselves to the creation of magnificent statues of Goddess Durga, a deity honoured during the Navratri festival. The idols carved here have religious importance, but they also provide year-round income for the artists who make them.

Over 200 exceptional master craftsmen from Kolkata descend in the diamond capital, Surat, for the annual Durga Puja celebrations. Although they are in great demand in West Bengal, these artists have decided to go to Surat anyhow. The abundance of idol manufacturers in West Bengal is a major factor driving the migration of skilled workers to other states, notably Surat.

One of the talented sculptors, named Vishnubhai, said, “Our family has been producing Durga Puja idols for three generations. From Kolkata, I transport clay from the holy Ganges to Surat, where it will be used to create an idol of Durga Mata. The locals like our works since we make them using conventional clay rather than with POP. Our sculptures are renowned for their realism, which we achieve by paying close attention to every detail, from the hair to the clothing. The residents of Surat and Gujarat are quite appreciative of the monuments we’ve made. In Surat, you can get one of these elaborate Durga statues for anywhere between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000.

The average Bengali craftsman in Surat sells 80-100 Goddess Durga statues every year, and they do it with great pleasure. Using Ganga clay from Kolkata, Tapi river clay from Surat, and unique sticky clay from Jamnagar, the process of creation is painstakingly precise. We make a beautiful figure of Maa Durga by mixing these three clays together. Vishnu Bengali, one of the sculptors, said, “We have about 20 artisans working with us right now.”

Even after leaving Surat, a master artisan might make up to Rs. 65,000 per month, providing for his or her family. Vishnu went on to explain, “During Navratri, when demand for Durga statues is at its greatest, more craftsmen join us. There’s a lot of competition, but Surat is a great place to develop our skills.

These Bengali craftspeople not only bring their expertise to Surat, but also a little bit of Bengali heritage, bringing a new level of beauty and commitment to the city’s Navratri festivities.