Written by Anisha Ghosh

This year, a special sparkle is all set to be added to the five-day Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata. Kumortuli artisan Indrajit Paul has adorned the eyes of one of his idols with special American diamonds.

While the idol is yet to be booked by any puja committee, Paul is confident it will attract a buyer by Sunday, April 20. “Many customers have already shown great interest in the idol after seeing its photos,” Paul said.

“When the lights hit the idol, sparkling rays will emanate from its eyes. It will make the idol look like it has come to life,” Paul added.

He further said, “The diamond in the eyes will give the idol a 3-D effect, leaving people spellbound. No other stone can create the same effect.”

The Durga idol stands 11 feet tall and is priced between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh. Out of all the idols the Paul has made this year, only one is left to be booked.

This is not the first time the artisan has created something unique. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he came up with the idea of a ‘Coronasur’ a demon symbolising the coronavirus. He received wide media coverage, and even the Kolkata Knight Riders sent a team to shoot a documentary on it.

“This year, idol-making has been a bit difficult as the continuous rain has been making it hard, stretching the drying time of the idols. We are using the help of ceiling fans to dry it,” says Paul, who is also into short films.

Paul also has a knack for script-writing and directing films. “During my free time, I write scripts and direct short films,” Paul shared.

As West Bengal is set to celebrate Durga Puja by the end of September, the diamond-eyed idol is expected to become a major attraction.

(Anisha Ghosh is an intern with The Indian Express)