Kolkata, Sept. 11 -- Less than a month before Mahalaya, one would expect Kolkata's iconic idol hub, Kumartuli, to be buzzing with activity around Durga idol-making. But for now, preparations for the city's biggest festival have taken a brief pause as the potters' colony gears up for Ganesh Puja next week. Even before entering Banamali Sarkar Street in Kumartuli, rows of makeshift stalls lining the road catch the eye, with idols of Lord Ganesh in various sizes waiting to be sold.

The surge in demand for Ganesh idols over the past two to three years is well known. What is relatively new, however, is the sight of makeshift roadside stalls selling Ganesh idols across the potters' colony. From tiny eight-inch idols to imposing 12-foot figures, Ganesh idols have crowded Kumartuli and in the run-up to Ganesh Puja, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the idol hub has more Ganesh idols on display than Durga idols.

Artisan Bablu Pal was busy putting the finishing touches to a 10-foot Ganesh idol, which will be worshipped at a pandal in Kolkata. The monsoon has been playing spoilsport, but Pal said orders for Ganesh idols have increased considerably this year.

At a makeshift stall nearby, Gama Sonkar was busy selling Ganesh idols priced between Rs 600 and Rs 6,500, catering to different requirements and budgets. "We sold 500 pieces of Lord Ganesh last year. There is an increased demand for Ganesh idols," he said.

Another shopkeeper, Shibprasad Hela, echoed the sentiment. He however, is also apprehensive that he may be asked to remove his stall from the footpath as it obstructs pedestrian movement.

Kumartuli's miniature artist Bankim Pal said his 'Bal Ganesha' idols have been selling well. He has received 22 orders this year for 18-inch and 20-inch idols. At the studio of China Pal, one of Kumartuli's few women idol-makers, Ganesh idols occupy much of the space. "The demand has certainly increased and several households and community puja committees have started worshipping Lord Ganesh. After Ganesh Puja is over, we will begin completing the Durga idols," she said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.