Durga Puja is the biggest festival of West Bengal and for centuries the artisans from Kumortuli (Potter's village) of North Kolkata have been making life-size clay idols of gods and goddesses for this festival. They now supply the idols for all types of festivals and to other cities as well.

The gray and silty clay of Hoogly river is used to plaster the idol structure that is made of straw and bamboo. Slowly face and other body shapes are given to the idol and its left to dry after which the painting of the figure is started. Only very experienced Potua paint the eyes of the deity, which is said to make an idol come to life.

Production clusters: Kolkata District and South 24 Parganas
 

Products: Idols of gods and goddesses, Clay toys, Pots
 

Material and Tools: Clay, Hay, Bamboo, Paint brushes