Tana chokh and ekchala idols make a comeback

As Ratha Yatra approaches on June 27, Kolkata begins to buzz with the early approaching Durga Puja. While the city celebrates the chariot journey of Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra, the day holds a significance in Kumartuli as many Pujo committees offer their bayna (token booking) to artisans, while some perform khuti pujo. Together, these customs signal the ceremonial start of Durga Puja preparations. With artisans hoping for a strong season, the lanes of Kumartuli are alive with emotion, purpose, and the unmistakable thrill of the season ahead.‘We’ve already shipped 35 idols globally in 2025’With Bengali communities celebrating Pujo across continents, artisan Kaushik Pal, who caters to international orders, says the goddess has gone global. He said: “This year, almost 35 idols have already been shipped to the USA, Germany, Italy, London & Canada. We’re still to ship to Vienna, Dubai, Singapore, and LA.” High demand in Kumartuli this Rath YatraKumartuli artisans are hopeful for a strong season ahead as early signs point to a positive year for business, as confirmed by Babu Pal. He shared that last year’s sales had dipped following a tragic incident. With more enquiries pouring in from major Puja committees and a noticeable willingness to accommodate a 10–12% price hike, things are looking up. “The real business happens on Rath Yatra, when committees make their bookings with a token amount,” he said. There’s also a demand for sabeki idols globally.Operation Sindoor, travel to space among top Pujo themes‘My team is working 24x7’Veteran artist China Pal is racing against time, juggling Ganesh and Durga idols for the upcoming festival season. “All my team is working almost 24x7,” she said. “In August, there’s Ganesh Puja, and by end of September, it’s Durga Puja — we’re running out of time.” Traditional idols with wide, almond-shaped eyes and the ekchala style are in high demand, especially from housing societies. “We’re hoping enquiries from clubs turn into bookings on Rath Yatra,” she added. On rising prices, she said, “The price of raw materials has shot up. We’re quoting accordingly — otherwise we can’t survive.”Pandal themes that are trending for Pujo this year Suruchi Sangha: The club dives into history this year with a theme that promises something historical — marking artist Anirban Das’s debut with the club and, as Swarup Biswas says: “It will be unique.”Ballygunge Cultural Association: Marking its 75th year, the club has picked the theme Protha (rituals), confirms Saptarshi Basu, without revealing how it unfolds into a Durga Puja narrative Mudiali Club: Staying true to tradition with its iconic idol unchanged for three generations, this year’s theme, inner conscience, is brought to life by artist Biman Saha in what Ashok Dey calls a “beautiful” execution.Tridhara Sammilani: Tridhara Sammilani is still locking in this year’s theme, but Debasish Kumar confirmed a five-day live performance tied to it, adding, “there will be a live performance of our Durga Puja theme.” Santosh Mitra Square: Operation Sindoor has been chosen as the theme. Ekdalia Evergreen Club: The theme is Arunachaleswarar Temple this yearSreebhumi Sporting Club: They have picked the theme of the International Space Station.Quotes:Almost all international committees chose the tana chokh (wide-eyed) style, which symbolises divine power, strength, and Ma’s role as a protector in these trying times– Kaushik Pal, artisanDemand for classic ekchala idols with Durga & her children are placed under a canopy, is strong, particularly in international markets– Babu Pal, secretary and spokesperson, Kumartuli Mritshilpa Sanskriti SamitiI’m currently working on the theme Rupantar, or transformation for Nalin Sarkar Street Durga Puja. I’m also designing Kalikapur’s Udayan Pally idol. The message is rooted in humanity and a call to say no to war– Sanatan Dinda, artist