Passion, devotion drives this Behala woman to carve out Durga idols
The Statesman | 23 September 2025A middle-aged woman in Thakurpukur, Behala, driven by the passion of crafting Durga idols, is worshipping Ma Durga at home, creating her own idols.
Meet Suravi Baral, who has been creating idols since 2009. With clay from the sacred river mixed with earth from places of unseen prayers, layered with straw, patience, and faith, she creates idols, which are also in much demand for the local clubs.
She started worshipping Durga at her place in Behala for the last three years.
Talking about her journey of idol-making, Suravi says, “All my life, I’ve been a learner. Idol-making has been my passion for a very long time. I had been to many places learning the art, including many visits to Kumartuli. I worked with artists whenever I could. People even laughed at me. But I insisted, mixed clay with straw and shaped idols.”
Since it is her passion, she has learnt to side step difficulties. Suravi has been doing theme-based idols and pandals for various clubs. For her Durga at home, she has themed it ‘amar meye Durga’ (Durga, my daughter). “She is my daughter. There are some women who bind the family and the society and are inspirations for many, who are unsung but still do inspirational work. Pooja Sharma, who carries unclaimed bodies and does last rights for them or Arunima Sinha, who conquered Everest with a prosthetic limb are a few examples,” says Suravi.
How she started Durga Puja at home, Suravi said, “Someone had ordered an idol but at the last moment cancelled the order. After finding no takers for the idol, many of my friends suggested that this is God’s design and that she should workshop her at home. The social worker adds: “Our house in Thakurpukur is around 350 years old. This is used to be a house for notch girls. According to legend, it was later bought by some kamar (blacksmith) from whom one of my family members bought some 80 years ago. This house used to have Durga Puja many years ago. So, it is like Ma Durga has come back to stay at her old place. This is Mother’s blessings.”
Suravi, who counts on the support of her family, says she will carry on till God permits and her body holds up to the rigours of idol-making.
