I visited the place my trip to Kolkata and Durga Pooja. The whole area has a big park where they had organised the pandal and it was really beautiful. Every year they come with such unique themes. Apart from the park, you can also visit ghat which is just nearby and sip cup of tea there and feel the breeze of the river. After that, you can also walk around the streets of Kumartuli and its a must to-do list. This is the street where all the idols of Durga maa are made and designed in Kolkata. You will get the vibes of the festival in the street. You can watch them making the sculpture and statues of the Goddess. One can savour the beauty of old buildings and houses which are still there since 18the century. Its really great to feel the old vibes of the city since this is the most centre point of Kolkata. I visited during the festive time and missed visiting in day time hours. Although one is not allowed to enter their shop especially women but you can watch it from outside which is enthralling. Also enjoy the street food there. There is no ticket to any of these areas. I am not sure about the park since I went during the Pooja.

It was difficult to imagine that the statues looking like marble or bronze were actually based on straw figures covered in mud from the Ganges. You could see each of the stages here from the straw shape to the finished painted statue. These statues are used in rituals in the river and so the mud is eventually returned to the Ganges from where it came.

Had I not been with a local, I would never have known. Lovely local area, traditional potters' quarter. So nice to watch these talented individuals go about their work. You could also see traditional houses and shops. Lovely walk. Go beyond the main parts to discover hidden alleys, colourful buildings and local life. Like stepping back in time. Peaceful. When I went in January 2024, they were preparing for Saraswati Puja in February, so this was nice to see.

The most incredible place in Kolkata and in India! I've spent over a year travelling around India and Kumartuli was by far the most beautiful experience I've had. It's a peaceful refuge from the chaos of Kolkata. The potters barely noticed I was there as they went about their work with deep concentration. You will see deity statues at all different stages of their creation in the dozens of little workshops in alleyways in this little area, Kumartuli Potters Lane. You could spend just one hour here or get immersed in it for as long as you like. You do not need a guide. You can read on google in depth about this place, and talk to the potters and shop keepers for more personal insights. I enjoyed the peaceful ambience without a guide and there were barely any tourists there. The locals living in this area are genuinely friendly and helpful and won't bother you unless you ask for help, in which case they gladly will! You will feel like you've stepped into another world here.

It's a village were the residents work in making Clay idols The city is renowned for its sculpting prowess. It not only manufactures clay idols for various festivals but also regularly exports them. (making the images of gods and goddesses)