Santa, reindeer start moving out of Dompara for year-end festivities

KOLKATA: In north Kolkata's Dompara slum, a marginalised community is actively crafting Christmas decorations using bamboo and cane. Over 150 skilled craftsmen along Central Avenue at Ramesh Dutta Street are working tirelessly in their workshops, creating Santa Claus figures, sleighs, reindeer and pine trees. These items will adorn the city's shopping centres, puja clubs and various localities during the festive period.

"By Dec 20, the Christmas decorations of Kolkata's almost all the shopping malls and para clubs will be finished and most of these will be done by us," said Sudipta Maity, an artisan. As a third-generation craftsperson and art college graduate, the 33-year-old Maity brings innovation to traditional techniques. His recent work includes a 40-foot decorative pine tree, now standing at New Market on Humayun Place.

The pricing varies significantly, with Christmas trees ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 65,000 for heights between 8 and 70 feet. A 20-foot Christmas tree is scheduled for installation at the mayor's area for Chetla Agrani's celebration.

Santa Claus sets, complete with sleighs and reindeer, are available in sizes from 5 to 30 feet, priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 1,00,000. "This year, a 18ft standing Santa along with two big Christmas trees with other decorative items will also be delivered soon to Sree Bhumi Sporting Club from here," said Pinku Ghanti, who oversees Lake Town's Christmas and New Year decorations. The community also produces accessories like Santa hats, bells, wreaths, balls, sticks and festive foliage across 30 workshops.

The community experiences peak business during the festive season, from Viswakarma to Saraswati Puja. "As more malls and sophisticated business establishments are mushrooming in the city, our winter time business for Christmas is also expanding," said Tapan Santra, another craftsman.

Originally from Midnapore, this dom community initially produced "jhnaka" and "chupri" for local markets. Located near Kumartuli, they've traditionally created "chalchitra" for Durga idols and rickshaw canopies. Despite remaining unorganised, these artisans are gaining recognition for their affordable decorative artwork, including recent contributions to Durga Puja pandals.


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