Naktala Durga idol gets a museum pedestal

KOLKATA: The Durga idol which had enthralled visitors at the Naktala Udayan Sangha pandal last year is set to find a place at Rabi Tirtha museum in November.
The Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Hidco) has written to the organizers to give them the idol, said Naktala Udayan Sangha secretary Bappa Dasgupta.
"The idol is made of brass and mahogany.It took artist Bhabotosh Sutar six months to conceptualise and complete it," said Dasgupta.
Hidco's letter initially threw the organizers in a dilemma because singer Abhijeet had also wanted to take the idol to Mumbai and worship it at his Lokhandwala puja this year.
Udayan Sangha was waiting for the state government to respond to its request of preserving the idol.
But when the government did not respond, the organizers agreed to give it to Abhijeet. But when Hidco contacted them, they approached the singer to inform the change of plans, but it was too late.
"So, We have discussed and decided to allow him to worship the idol at his Lokhandwala Durga Puja and return it within November 7. We shall then hand it over to Hidco for preservation. Absolute care will be taken to ensure safety so that the idol does not receive any damage, " said Dasgupta.
Artist Bhabatosh Sutar said, "I have been making idols for the past 12 years. This is the first time it will be preserved by the government. This is great news."
The Durga idol which had mesmerised visitors at puja pandal of Naktala Udayan Sangha in 2011 is set to be immortalised at Rabi Tirtha museum - the cultural research center in New Town. The idea which was a brainchild of chief minister Mamata Banerjee will finally turn into reality in November. "The idol was made by artist Bhabotosh Sutar which took him more than six months to conceptualise and give shape. It was admired by many. The idol is made of brass and mahogony wood. Sutar was paid Rs 7.5 lakh for the creation," said secretary of Naktala Udayan Sangha, Bappa Dasgupta.
The idol which had left most visitors spell bound could not be immersed since many people suggested preserving the models. "We urged the state government on and requested CM on Ekadashi to take initiative and find a suitable location to restore and preserve the Durga idol. She assured us to look into the matter and take a call," Dasgupta added. However with passing time and without any response from the government, Udayan Sangha was losing hope. "It was then singer Abhijit approached the club and sought permission to take the idol and worship during 2012 Durga puja's in his Lokhandwala pandal. He was impressed and refused to give in. Though we informed that the Durga idol may have to be handed over to the government for preservation, Abhijit asked us to allow him showcase the exquisite idol for Mumbaikars. Since we had no feedback from the government we relented and expressed our desire to hand him the Durga idol without any charges," Dasgupta said.
Accordingly plans were made for the idols to be transported to Mumbai and Abhijit even rolled out advertisements with the theme. "Ten days back we received a letter from Hidco requesting us to hand over the Durga idol for preservation and display," said Dasgupta. The letter sent by Hidco reads - It is understood that there is a brass and bronze statute of Durga with your institution and that you wish to donate it to the state government. On behalf of the state government, Hidco has been advised to contact you to install the statue at an appropriate place within Newtown Kolkata."
Udayan Sangha members immediately reached out to Abhijit requesting him to change his plans. "But it is already too late. So, we have discussed and decided to allow him to worship the idol in his Lokhandwala Durga puja and return it within November 7. We shall then hand it over to Hidco for preservation. Absolute care will be taken to ensure safety so that the idol does not receive any damage," Udayan Sagha secretary informed. This year Abhijit has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the puja. "Singer Rashid Khan, vice chairman of Naktala Udayan Sangha may also create theme music for Durga puja in 2012. Bhabotosh Sutar will make the idol for the fourth time for our puja," said Dasgupta.
Artist Bhabatosh Sutar said, "I am into idol making over the past 12 years since I had left the Government Art College. This is the first time it will be preserved by the government. The idol was made waith around 700 kilos of brass and Mahogany wood. Even earlier in 2001 and in 2003 there were talks of preserving the Durga idol which was crafted by me. The terracotta idol in 2003 was preserved in a star hotel. But now it is in a dilapidated state. The idol which I had made for Udayan Sangha was done keeping in mind that it may be preserved. Hence, it is indeed good news." Sutar is all set to make Durga idol for three city puja's this year as well namely - Naktala Udayan Sangha, Chetla Agrani Club and Sikdar Bagan in north Calcutta.