Discover Kolkata’s Creative Spirit and Unique Souvenirs
Kolkata is a city synonymous with creativity. From unsung crafter communities working diligently to preserve their traditions to some of the Indian art world’s most recognizable creators, this vibrant city showcases an incredible quantity and variety of artistic expression. For travelers passing through Kolkata, there lies an opportunity not only to appreciate its glittering creative heritage but also to acquire precious collectibles in excursions around town.
Observe the Divine Feminine at Kumartuli
The city’s most famous artisanal hub, Kumartuli, is home to clay potters who skillfully create iconic clay idols of the mother goddess during Bengal’s Durga Puja festival. Easily accessible to travelers, this neighborhood features countless studios along narrow lanes, where artisans labor for months to produce the divine idols revered in pandals (ceremonial shelters) across the city during the festival.
Kumartuli serves as a fantastic place to study this unique form of clay art. With the permission of a friendly artisan, you can observe them as they painstakingly mold the idols, beginning with a straw-and-wood framework before gradually layering it with clay. The district also contains specialized studios where artisans fashion hand-carved ornaments and decorative items from shola (a soft white pulp from a local plant).
Even after Durga Puja, the artisans of Kumartuli remain busy creating idols for additional celebrations, like Kali Puja. Thus, any time of year is suitable for a visit. Be sure to bring your camera and inquire about their crafts; most artisans are welcoming and will gladly show you around their studios for a small donation.
All That Glitters is Found on Rabindra Sarani
Bordering Kumartuli to the east, the lively Rabindra Sarani is one of northern Kolkata’s major thoroughfares. Along its winding pathways and alleys, countless creative microcosms thrive, where specialized crafters meticulously follow centuries-old traditions, crafting an abundance of handcrafted goods.
Expect to find goldsmiths, brassware makers, printers, typesetters, potters, bangle designers, locksmiths, and even the occasional calendar artist in this bustling area. Their workshops often welcome visitors, inviting you to step inside, admire their craftsmanship, and purchase items that catch your eye.
Delight the Senses in the Lalbazar District
The southern extension of Rabindra Sarani is known as Lalbazar, named after the police headquarters in the area. This neighborhood boasts an eclectic mix of crafters engaging in an array of unconventional trades, allowing for a full sensory experience.
A variety of musical instrument makers, including the notable Mondal & Sons, can be found here, crafting traditional Indian instruments such as sitars, sarods, and flutes. You can commission your desired instrument, and artisans will work on it over the following months before sending it to your home destination.
A respected perfumery, Hind Perfumers, has maintained its tradition for decades, offering unique essences bottled and sold by expert blenders. Additionally, a handful of Chinese shoemakers along Bentinck Street still practice the dwindling craft of bespoke shoe-making for those who appreciate customization.
Score Souvenirs at Kolkata Fairs and Festivals
Winter signifies a period of vibrant festivals showcasing Kolkata’s creative spirit. If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, this season presents a wealth of opportunities to discover unique items from across West India and Bangladesh.
Typically held in December, the Kolkata Trade Fair is a prime venue for sourcing crafts from Bengal and its neighboring states. Notable souvenirs include exquisite Bankura terracotta horses crafted by Bishnupur potters, scroll paintings from folk artists of the renowned Kalighat tradition, and dhokra bell metal handicrafts from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
The Kolkata Book Fair, although primarily targeting book lovers, also features an assortment of paper crafters, puzzle inventors, and DIY kit designers, making it an intriguing place to shop for creatively unique souvenirs.
Browse the Galleries of Ballygunge
To explore a well-curated selection of ethnic crafts and modern art from Bengali contemporary artists, visit CIMA, a gallery celebrated for its exceptional inventory. A short distance north lies the Harrington Street Arts Centre, a favorite among art enthusiasts, showcasing outstanding exhibitions that feature works by some of India’s most notable modern artists.
Other highlights in the vicinity include Byloom and Weaver’s Studio, both esteemed textile stores teeming with unique fabrics that celebrate Bengal’s rich weaving and dyeing heritage. The expansive Dakshinapan Shopping Centre combines the finest of pan-Indian arts and crafts under one roof.
After exploring the galleries, refuel with a meal at 6 Ballygunge, a stylish restaurant located in a converted mansion that specializes in delectable Bengali cuisine.
