• UGI USER
  • May 30, 2024
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KUMARTULI’S SCULPTORS ENDURE HARDSHIPS, INDIFFERENT TO ELECTION’S HEAT AND DRAMA

Why in the news?

  • Kumartuli, in Kolkata North Lok Sabha constituency, is renowned for clay idol making, especially Goddess Durga for Navratri.
  • Sculptors face infrastructure issues like leaking roofs and waterlogged streets.Sculptors struggle with poverty and rising raw material costs, often working under perpetual debt.
  • Despite UNESCO recognizing Durga Puja in 2022, sculptors see no improvement in their livelihoods, questioning the tangible benefits of the recognition.
source:scribd

About the Durga Puja in Kolkata :

  • Durga Puja in Kolkata inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
  • First Asian festival to receive this recognition.
  • Five-day festival during Navratri, worshiping Goddess Durga.
  • Major cultural carnival with folk music, crafts, and street art.
  • Contributes significantly to West Bengal’s economy, over Rs. 32,000 crore in 2019.
About the UN’s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

(UNESCO):

  • UNESCO: UN’s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
  • Aims: for peace via international cooperation in education, sciences, and culture.
  • Supports Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).
  • 193 Members, 11 Associate Members; India joined in 1946.
  • Headquartered: in Paris; USA and Israel quit in 2019.
  • Key initiatives: Man and Biosphere Programme, World Heritage Programme, Global Geopark Network, Network of Creative Cities.

About Kumortuli:

Kumortuli, a traditional potters’ quarter in northern Kolkata, West Bengal, is renowned for sculpting clay idols for festivals and exports, showcasing the city’s exceptional sculpting prowess.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/unesco-awards-rambagh-gate-ramparts-project/

https://universalinstitutions.com/vadnagar-town-modhera-sun-temple-unakoti-sculptures-added-to-unescos-tentative-list-of-world-heritage-sites/

https://universalinstitutions.com/all-about-tripuras-unakoti-the-angkor-wat-of-the-north-east-seeking-unesco-world-heritage-tag/