As Bengal prepares to welcome Maa Durga, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata brought together the artisans and craftspeople who give shape, light and rhythm to the state’s most celebrated festival through ‘Pujor Rupokar 2.0’, an initiative dedicated to honouring the unsung creators behind Durga Puja. The event, held on 10th September, brought together artisans from Kumartuli, Chandannagar’s light artisans, dhakis and secretaries from pandal associations recognising their invaluable contribution to Bengal’s cultural heritage.
Durga Puja, inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, is much more than a festival for Bengal. Behind the grandeur of thousands of pandals, beautifully crafted idols, elaborate lighting and the unmistakable beats of the dhak are generations of artisans whose skill, perseverance and creativity bring the celebrations to life.
The programme commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting ceremony, attended by the leadership of Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, the President of the Kumartuli Association, and respected doctors from across the various units of the hospital group in Kolkata. This was followed by a special Devi welcome act by the nursing team. The event then featured a welcome address by Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director, Manipal Hospitals East, who acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the artisans and other creators who play a pivotal role in bringing Bengal’s grandest festival to life.
The welcome address was followed by a special felicitation ceremony honouring the artisans of Kumartuli, traditional dhakis and Chandannagar’s light artisans for their invaluable contribution to Bengal’s cultural heritage. Each honouree was presented with a memento and ceremonial shawl by the doctors. Among those felicitated were Kumartuli Sarbojonin office-bearers Mr. Samar Mitra, Secretary, and Mr. Debasish Bhattacharjee, Working President; Mr. Babu Paul, Mrit Shilpi and Assistant Secretary, Kumartuli Mrit Shilpi Sanskriti Samity; national award-winning mrit shilpis Ms. Mala Paul and Ms. Jhulan Paul; Probin Mrit Shilpi Mr. Nemai Paul; Asian Paints award-winning sculptors Mr. Nabo Paul, Mr. Soumen Paul and Mr. Sanatan Paul, along with Ms. Kakali Paul, Mr. Arup Paul, Mr. Pashupati Rudra Paul, Mr. Sanjay Paul, Mr. Ramit Paul, Mr. Indrajit Paul, Mr. Ranjit Sarkar, Mr. Bankim Paul, Mr. Dipankar Paul, Mr. Bhanu Rudra Pal, Mr. Sujit Pal, Mr. Pradip Dey, Mr. Rudrajit Paul, Mr. Subhas Paul and Mr. Samir Paul. Representatives of the pandal associations, Mr. Chandra Nath Dey, Secretary, and Mr. Sanu Biswas, Treasurer, along with Chandannagar light artisans Mr. Tapan Ghosh, Mr. Tapas Ghosh, Mr. Ashim Dey, Mr. Dibyendu Biswas and Mr. Amio Das, were also felicitated in recognition of their dedication and craftsmanship.
During the programme, Dr. Parijat Deb Choudhury, Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, said, “For artisans working long hours under the pressure of festive deadlines, maintaining heart health is particularly important. Physical exertion, stress, inadequate sleep and irregular routines can add to cardiovascular risk, especially for those with existing conditions. Regular health checks, awareness of warning symptoms and timely medical consultation can help prevent serious cardiac events and ensure that their health does not take a back seat during the festive season.”
Dr. Sutanu Hazra, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, added, “The repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, bending and lifting involved in idol-making can place significant stress on the muscles, joints and spine. Artisans can reduce these risks by maintaining proper posture, changing positions regularly, using appropriate tools and taking short breaks during long work sessions. Early attention to persistent pain can help prevent chronic musculoskeletal problems.”
Dr. Shilpita Banerjee, Consultant – Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “Women artisans often balance demanding physical work with responsibilities at home, which can leave little time for their own health. Menstrual irregularities, anaemia, nutritional deficiencies and other gynaecological concerns should not be ignored or normalised. Regular health check-ups, adequate nutrition, iron-rich foods and timely consultation can help women remain healthy and continue their work with greater wellbeing.”
Dr. Indranil Das, Senior Consultant and HOD – Accident and Emergency Care, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass said, “Artisan work can involve long hours, physical exertion and exposure to heat, dust and potentially hazardous materials. During such demanding periods, basic safety precautions, adequate hydration and timely attention to injuries or sudden symptoms are essential. Chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, significant injuries or sudden weakness should never be ignored and require immediate medical attention.”
The programme culminated in a felicitation ceremony, where the participating doctors honoured the artisans of Kumartuli for their craftsmanship and contribution to Bengal’s cultural heritage. The presence of the Chandannagar light artisans and dhakis further highlighted the diverse community of creators who work behind the scenes to make Durga Puja the spectacle that it is.
Through ‘Pujor Rupokar 2.0’, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating not just the festival, but also the people behind it. The initiative seeks to shine a light on those whose creativity, craftsmanship and dedication continue to give Bengal’s biggest celebration its distinctive identity, while reminding them that those who create for the community must also find time to care for themselves.
