Krishnagar, Oct. 13 -- At 80, Reba Pal continues to paint traditional Durga chalchitras in a modest, timeworn abode in Ghurni's potters' colony in Krishnagar, striving to preserve Bengal's fading artistic heritage amid the growing dominance of digital prints.
For nearly five decades, Pal has been associated with the intricate art of painting chalchitra, the decorative backdrop framing the Durga idol. She learnt the craft while assisting her husband, Shasthi Pal, and took up the work independently after his death about 22 years ago.
Her delicate brushstrokes have travelled far beyond her small home. She once supplied her creations to artisans in Kumartuli and Bidhannagar in Kolkata, and her work has adorned several prominent puja installat...