Kolkata's Kumartuli Prepares Durga Idols for Export to Multiple Countries

Artisans in Kolkata's historic Kumartuli workshop are preparing a larger batch of Durga Puja idols for both domestic worship and overseas celebrations. Veteran idol maker Pal says his workshop received orders for 20 idols this year, up from 18 last year, reflecting growing international demand after UNESCO recognition of the festival.

The finished idols are being shipped to destinations that include the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, New Zealand, Uganda and Dubai, with several already dispatched and further batches in preparation. Orders also cover deities such as Kali, Saraswati and Ganesh for diaspora communities abroad.