Traditional Durga Puja art is visible in community or ‘sarbojanin’ pujas which have not changed their style over the years. Most of them are characterised by gigantic idols, grand lighting, and elaborate ornamentation of the idols, some of them even using actual gold, silver or diamond jewellery.

Most idols for traditional community pujas still come from the renowned neighbourhood of Kumortuli (‘kumor’ being Bengali for potter), though Patuapara in Kalighat has also made a name for itself. The art of sculpting clay idols, practised in Kumortuli over generations, remains largely unchanged.

Without exception, traditional styles tend to be heavily Indian, with little or no Western influences. Facial and physical features are often exaggerated to highlight expressions. Around the idol-making workshops, countless smaller stalls sell craft decorations, ornaments and weapons for the idols in gold and silver foil, glittering ‘zari’ and brocade, white shola, or even thermocol. Without exception, traditional styles tend to be heavily Indian, with little or no Western influences. Facial and physical features are often exaggerated to highlight expressions. Around the idol-making workshops, countless smaller stalls sell craft decorations, ornaments and weapons for the idols in gold and silver foil, glittering ‘zari’ and brocade, white shola, or even thermocol.