Mumbai/Kolkata, Sept 11: As Bengal prepares to welcome Maa Durga, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata brought together the artisans and craftspeople who give shape, light and rhythm to the states most celebrated festival through Pujor Rupokar 2.0, an initiative dedicated to honouring the unsung creators behind Durga Puja. The event brought together artisans from Kumartuli, Chandannagars light artisans, dhakis and secretaries from pandal associations recognising their invaluable contribution to Bengals 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 Bengals grandest festival to life.
The welcome address was followed by a special felicitation ceremony honouring the artisans of Kumartuli, traditional dhakis and Chandannagars light artisans for their invaluable contribution to Bengals 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. Vikash Kapoor, Cluster Director, Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospitals EM Bypass and Mukundapur, added, “For artisans who spend long hours bending, lifting, sitting in fixed postures or working with their hands, musculoskeletal strain can become part of everyday life. Back, neck, shoulder and joint problems should not be dismissed as an unavoidable part of the profession. Ergonomics, taking short breaks, maintaining correct posture and seeking timely medical attention can help them continue their craft without compromising their mobility and quality of life.”
Dr. Debottam Bandyopadhyay, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “During the months leading up to Durga Puja, artisans often work through irregular schedules and may compromise on meals, hydration and rest. This can adversely affect digestive health. Maintaining regular meal timings, adequate hydration and avoiding excessive reliance on processed or spicy food are simple but important steps. Preventive healthcare becomes especially relevant for communities whose work demands long hours and significant physical and mental commitment.”
Dr. Debraj Jash, Head of Pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals EM Bypass and Salt Lake Cluster, said, “Artisans working with clay, paint, dust and other materials may experience prolonged exposure to airborne particles, particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. Respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough, breathlessness or wheezing should not be ignored. Appropriate ventilation, protective measures and timely evaluation can help reduce occupational respiratory risks and allow these craftsmen to continue their work safely.”
Dr. Subhasis Roy Chowdhury, Director – Cathlab, Manipal Hospital Broadway, stated, “The festive season often comes with intense deadlines, long working hours, inadequate sleep and considerable physical exertion. These factors can put additional stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly in people who may already have underlying risk factors. Regular screening, awareness of symptoms such as chest discomfort or unexplained breathlessness, and timely medical intervention are critical. Health should never become secondary to the deadline of completing a creation.”
The programme culminated in a felicitation ceremony, where the participating doctors honoured the artisans of Kumartuli for their craftsmanship and contribution to Bengals 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 Bengals biggest celebration its distinctive identity, while reminding them that those who create for the community must also find time to care for themselves.
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