Kolkata is known as the “City of Joy” for all the right reasons. From its rich cultural heritage, historical prominence, and several palaces and museums to its being home to prominent intellectuals like Rabindranath Tagore and the world famous Durga Puja, there are many reasons to visit this place.
But another reason for which this city is known is Kumortuli. Popularly known for its traditional Potters’ Quarter, this area is a famous locality in Kolkata. It is home to hundreds of families of artisans making clay idols for generations. It is unique as it does not offer visitors any museum or palace to visit. Instead, it let them witness the art that this area is known for.
The clay idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses that are made here adorn the puja pandals not just in Kolkata but in other areas. Another reason to visit Kumortuli is the fact that it has men as well as women artisans. A total of 30 odd women artisans are residing here. It includes Minati Pal, Soma Pal, Kanchi Pal, and Chapa Rani Pal, among others.
History of Kumortuli
The Kumortuli was earlier written as Coomartolly. It came into existence after 1757 when the orders to divide different areas to different types of workers were given. This locality has been sculpting the Hindu god idols since 1950. The idols made here are known for their detailed artwork and unique designs. They are so popular that they are exported to countries like the US, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand.
Things to do in Kumortuli
You can do the following things in Kumortuli
- Witness the art of making clay idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
- Visit the artisan’s workshops in the famous Banamali Sarkar Street
- Offer prayer at the Dhakeshwari Mata Temple
- Experience the famous Durga Puja of Kumortuli
Best time to visit Kumortuli
The best time to visit the Potters’ Quarters is a few months before Durga puja. During this time, shops in the area are filled with complete and incomplete idols of Goddess Durga. This makes it the best time to witness what Kumortuli is known for.
How to reach Kumortuli?
You can reach the following places in Kumortuli in the following ways
- By Metro
The best way to reach Kumortuli is by boarding the metro. The nearest metro station to Kumortuli is the Sovabazar Metro Station.
- By Road
You can reach Kumortuli after a 30-minute drive from central Kolkata. Taxis can also be hired from here to get this place. Buses and trains can also be taken to reach the Potters’ Quarter of Kolkata.
- By Air
Kolkata Airport and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport are the best way to reach Kolkata by air. Flights from all major cities in India arrive and depart from here. To reach Kumartuli, hire a cab or take a bus, train, or ferry.
- By Train
Howrah Railway Station and Sealdah Railway Stations are the major railway stations of Kolkata. Trains for all major cities of India are available here. Taxis or buses or ferries can be taken from here to reach Kumortuli.
Places to visit near Kumortuli
You can visit the following places near Kumortuli
- Dhakeshwari Mata Temple
- Victoria Memorial
- Science City
- Kalighat
- Zoological Garden
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Birla Industrial and Technological Garden
- Bow barracks
- Birla Planetarium
