This 79-year-old chaalchitra artist refuses to hang up her brush

She’s a year shy of 80, but Reba Pal’s hands are still rock steady when she does the intricate brush work that goes into creating every chaalchitra. “I started out 60 years ago as an assistant to my late husband, who was a chaalchitra and pot shilpo artist. After he passed, I took up the mantle. But these days, I don’t take on too much work because of my health issues. After all, each chaalchitra needs a lot of time and patience,” said the oldest living chaalchitra and pot shilpi in Bengal, who has bagged numerous awards.

For Pal, the months leading up to Durga Puja are hectic. This is the time when the demand is high for chaalchitras, as Puja committees and collectors from Kolkata and beyond place orders. “As Kolkata’s Pujos prepare to unveil their themes, organisers come to me to order specific chaalchitras. My chaalchitras are more than just decorations – they are living testimonies to Bengal’s Durga Puja traditions,” said the universal Dida (grandmother) of the residents of Ghurni – the famous hub of clay and folk artists in Krishnanagar. She added that the process of making a chaalchitra takes about a week, depending on the size. “A large one can be four-five haat (cubits). And I never compromise with the quality of work,” she added. When asked if her work helps her make a living, Pal revealed that despite the traditional value of each chaalchitra, prices remain modest. “If I get around `1,000 for a piece of art, it helps me make a living. Of course, my daughters help me financially. Even vloggers who come to shoot at my place buy art from me. Amar choley jai thik thak,” she added softly. When we asked her if she has seen her artworks at any Kolkata pandal, she smiled and said, “I’ve seen so many Pujos – so many artworks of mine adorning them! This art is my life, and till my hands allow it, I’ll keep drawing chaalchitras.”The Pujo-chaalchitra connection
Chaalchitra artists hold a special place in Durga Puja celebrations. Their elaborate, hand-painted backdrops transform the idol’s setting into a sacred, vibrant canvas that narrates mythological tales and heightens the festival’s grandeur. With intricate designs and deep cultural roots, these artworks embody Bengal’s folk traditions, adding emotional depth and artistic brilliance that make them an indispensable part of the Puja experience.