Every year, as Navratri and Durga Puja approach, magnificent idols of Maa Durga begin appearing in pandals and puja venues across India. But behind those powerful faces, intricate ornaments and ten divine arms are artisans who have spent three or even four decades mastering the craft.
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For these traditional sculptors, creating Maa Durga is not simply about shaping clay. It is a painstaking process built on inherited skills, patience and devotion-often passed down through generations.
From Clay to the Divine Form
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In Hyderabad, artisan Vishwas has spent around 30 years creating eco-friendly clay idols. His work uses natural materials such as grass, wood and clay, combining traditional idol-making techniques with an emphasis on sustainability.
In Maharashtra, a West Bengal-born artisan began crafting large idols for prominent puja venues, including Khadki Kali Bari, around 35 years ago. His journey reflects how Bengal's centuries-old idol-making tradition has travelled far beyond the state.
85-Year-Old Sculptor Still Shaping Maa Durga
In Bengaluru, 85-year-old master sculptor Sudhir Pal has dedicated more than 33 years to creating divine figures.
His craft follows the traditional use of Ganga maati, or sacred river soil, which is transported from Kolkata. For him, every stage—from shaping the clay to giving the goddess her final expression—demands precision and years of experience.
Nearly Four Decades of Tradition in Assam
In Harangajao, Assam, another veteran artisan has spent nearly 40 years preserving the region's traditional clay-modelling practices.
His work represents more than the making of festival idols. It is part of a regional artistic tradition that continues to survive through skilled hands and generations of knowledge.
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More Than an Idol
So, who creates the magnificent Maa Durga seen during Navratri and Durga Puja?
Behind every towering idol is an artisan who understands how clay, straw, wood and natural materials can gradually take the shape of the divine.
For many of these craftsmen, the real achievement is not simply completing another idol. It is keeping a centuries-old cultural tradition alive, year after year.
As millions of devotees gather to celebrate Maa Durga, these largely unseen artisans remain at the heart of the festival-turning ordinary materials into a form that carries faith, art and tradition.
