Traditional festivals and idol-making crafts continue in West Bengal and Assam

Traditional religious festivals and artisanal crafts are central to cultural life in parts of India. In West Bengal, the Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated with distinctive identity, particularly in Chandannagar, Krishnanagar, and Shantipur. The festival features elaborate clay sculptures, traditional decorations, and spectacular illumination. In the historic French colonial town of Chandannagar, the celebrations include large-scale immersion processions along the Hooghly River.

In the Dima Hasao district of Assam, veteran artisan Pradesh Bhattacharjee is preparing for the upcoming Durga Puja. Having practiced the craft for nearly 40 years, Bhattacharjee uses clay, straw, and bamboo to create idols. However, the process faces logistical hurdles in the hilly region, including a shortage of high-quality clay and the need to transport bamboo and other materials from Silchar. Despite rising material costs and limited demand for high-budget idols in the area, Bhattacharjee continues to maintain the tradition.