Kolkata: With Durga Puja preparations entering their final phase, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata felicitated Kumartuli idol makers, Chandannagar light artisans, dhakis and representatives of puja committees at an event titled ‘Pujor Rupokar 2.0’.
The programme focused on the people working behind the scenes to create the idols, lighting and traditional sounds associated with Bengal’s biggest festival. Alongside the felicitation, doctors from different units of Manipal Hospitals spoke about the health risks faced by artisans during the long and physically demanding pre-Puja work period.
The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting attended by hospital officials, doctors and representatives of the Kumartuli community. A Devi welcome performance by the nursing team was also organised.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director, Manipal Hospitals East, spoke about the contribution of artisans and other workers whose efforts help shape the celebrations across Bengal.
Several members of the Kumartuli artisan community were felicitated during the programme, including Samar Mitra, Secretary, and Debasish Bhattacharjee, Working President of Kumartuli Sarbojonin. Other recognised artisans included Babu Paul, Mala Paul, Jhulan Paul, Nemai Paul, Nabo Paul, Soumen Paul and Sanatan Paul, along with other idol makers associated with Kumartuli.
Representatives of puja committees and Chandannagar’s lighting community were also honoured. Among them were Chandra Nath Dey, Secretary, and Sanu Biswas, Treasurer, as well as Chandannagar light artisans Tapan Ghosh, Tapas Ghosh, Ashim Dey, Dibyendu Biswas and Amio Das.
Doctors highlight health concerns
The health aspect of the programme focused on problems that can arise from extended working hours, physical strain, irregular routines and workplace exposure during the run-up to the festival.
Dr Parijat Deb Choudhury, Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, said prolonged physical exertion, stress, inadequate sleep and irregular routines could increase cardiovascular risks, particularly among people with existing health conditions. He advised artisans to undergo regular health checks and not ignore warning symptoms.
For idol makers, musculoskeletal problems are another concern. Dr Sutanu Hazra, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, pointed to the repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, bending and lifting involved in idol-making.
He advised artisans to maintain proper posture, change positions regularly, use suitable tools and take short breaks during long work sessions. Persistent pain, he said, should not be ignored as early treatment can help prevent chronic problems.
Dr Shilpita Banerjee, Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, highlighted the health concerns faced by women artisans, who often combine physically demanding work with household responsibilities.
She stressed the need to address issues including anaemia, menstrual irregularities and nutritional deficiencies, and encouraged women to prioritise adequate nutrition and timely medical consultation.
Workplace safety was also discussed by Dr Indranil Das, Senior Consultant and HOD – Accident and Emergency Care, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass. He cautioned artisans working in heat, dust and around potentially hazardous materials to maintain adequate hydration and follow basic safety measures.
He also urged people not to ignore serious symptoms such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness or significant injuries, which require immediate medical attention.
Durga Puja was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. While the festival is celebrated through elaborate pandals, idols, lighting and traditional performances, much of that work depends on artisans and skilled workers who spend months preparing for the festive season.
The ‘Pujor Rupokar 2.0’ programme brought these communities into focus ahead of Durga Puja, combining recognition of their contribution with a message on the importance of protecting their health during the demanding festive season.
