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Kumartuli's Clay Dreams Get GI Tag
12 Jul
Summary
- Iconic Kumartuli Durga idol-making tradition nears GI tag.
- Varanasi provided crucial technical support for the process.
- The tradition dates back over 300 years, rooted in Kolkata.
West Bengal's famed Kumartuli idol-making tradition, a cultural cornerstone for over three centuries, is nearing a significant milestone with the impending Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This prestigious recognition, supported by Varanasi's technical expertise, marks another advancement in India's intellectual property landscape.
The GI registration process, initiated on December 9, 2025, received technical facilitation from Varanasi's "GI Man of India," Rajani Kant. The consultative group hearing concluded on July 3 at the Patent Office in Kolkata. Kumartuli, located on the Hooghly River in North Kolkata, has been a renowned center for ritual idol-making for over 300 years.
Generations of artisans have handcrafted clay idols, using sacred clay from the Ganga mixed with alluvial soil. The process involves creating frameworks from bamboo, straw, and jute before applying clay, resulting in distinctively serene expressions characteristic of Bengali iconography.
Kumartuli is recognized for its unique Ekchala composition and Daaker Saaj ornamentation. Idols are primarily crafted from biodegradable materials. Today, these customized idols are exported globally, including to the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the UAE.
This GI recognition, supported by initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, is expected to showcase Bengal's rich cultural heritage worldwide. India aims for 10,000 GI registrations by 2030, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi actively promoting Indian GI products internationally.
