Madhyamik examinee makes Durga idol at home

KOLKATA: Tanay Nag (15) will be appearing for his Madhyamik examinations a few months from now but his studies have not dampened his Puja spirit. Like in the past five years, he built his own Durga idol at home in Nager Bazaar and is also playing the role of purohit. Unlike others his age, Tanay isn’t interested in pandal-hopping or spending time with friends.
“No Durga Puja was organized at our house till six years ago. I love painting and have been trying to make idols since my childhood. Gradually, I started experimenting with larger idols. The first one I made was five years ago. Gradually, I succeeded in making an idol that was strong enough to last the four days of the Pujas and wouldn’t crumble. My idols are traditional and I make them as per my own ideas. I do not copy from other idols,” Tanay said.
Now, Tanay’s teachers from Dumdum Kishore Bharati High School visit his home to participate in the celebrations. They say that he is a good student and has a knack for painting.
“When he was nine-years-old, he started making larger idols. He insisted that we have a Durga Puja and would go to the market with us and get everything required. He even got a panchali and other books of mantras and started conducting the Pujas by himself. A purohit who we know has taught him some procedures,” said Tanay’s mother Soma.