Puja committees back ‘buy-local’ drive to help rural artisans
Times of India | 15 September 2025
Kolkata: Around 10 Durga Puja committees on Sunday bought handicrafts from a Bengal National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BNCCI)-organised fair to support artisans of rural Bengal.
Several puja organisers, including Tarun Sangha, South Kolkata Samaj Sebi, Shyampukur Street Sarbajonin, and Rammohan Sammiloni, came together to support these artisans.
Saswata Bose, secretary of Forum For Durgotsab, expressed support towards promoting local artisans during the festivals. He said, "At the Forum, we consistently encourage all Durga Puja committees to engage local artisans and craftsmen."
North Kolkata Sarbajonin Durga Utsav's Brinto Chatterjee said, "We are excited to see these artisans here. Their art is definitely top-notch. It's rare to see artisans creating on the spot, which we witnessed today."
Sonali Das, a jewellery artist, said, "This opportunity has helped us tremendously."
Ananto Sarkar, a woodcraft artisan from North Dinajpur, said, "A club bought a lot of our Gombhira masks."
Saleha Chitrakar, a handpaint artisan from West Midnapore, said, "This platform is helping us reach a broader audience."
Rammohan Sammiloni committee member Arpita Ghosh said, "It is satisfying to see all the culture represented here."
Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "We hope to prioritise the products from rural Bengal areas through this platform."