Making Of A Mother

For generations, the inhabitants of Kumartuli in northern Kolkata, have been engaged in the time-honored art of creating clay idols of Ma(mother) Durga. This intricate process has many interesting elements to it; none more so than that lump of clay which is collected from the soil of local brothels. This clay is considered sacred, which is why it’s added to the clay mixture for making the idol.

The time I spent with these artists is unlike any I’ve spent with anyone, anywhere else. Its humbling, enriching and above all a deeply spiritual experience. After all these are the hands that make a mother!