When Clay Turns to Flesh: 13 Durga Pujo Pics from Kumortuli

These 13 pictures from Kumortuli, Kolkata’s potter hub, will leave you all the more excited for the pujas to begin!

An unfinished figurine of the Mother Goddess at Kumortuli, Kolkata’s potter hub. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Durga Pujo is almost here. At least that’s what the potter hub of Kolkata, the legendary Kumortuli will tell you. As potters put finishing touches to clay images, infusing them with life, Bengalis across the country are waiting eagerly for these very same images of the Mother Goddess to hit their pandals.

Take a look at the metamorphosis of Durga – from clay to flesh – in these 13 stunning photographs.

A potter lovingly paints the clay face of a deity. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

A beautiful black and white photograph of several Mother Goddess idols in a row. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Potters hard at work at moulding clay into Durga images. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

The first handfuls of clay before they’re infused with life. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Garlands of bright marigolds fresh-off-the-market to decorate the idols. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Every man does his bit in Kumortuli, Kolkata’s legendary potter hub. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

An unfinished work of clay, before it hits Kolkata’s vibrant, crowded pandals. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Even in the dark recesses of the night, Durga Pujo work continues unabated. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Oh, for the first splashes of colour! (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Clay moulding done, these images will now be accorded human verismilitude. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Haunting: an asura head and a Durga head – before they find their rightful place. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)

Somewhere deep in the gullies of Kumortuli, a heartening image of an elderly potter hard at work. (Photo Courtesy: Kireet Suvra)