Manipal Hospitals Kolkata Celebrates the Unsung Creators of Durga Puja with ‘Pujor Rupokar 2.0’

Kolkata, 10″ September 2026: As Bengal prepares to welcome Maa Durga, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata brought together the artisans and craftspeople who give shape, light and rhythm to the state’s 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, Chandannagar’s light artisans, dhakis and secretaries from pandal associations recognising their invaluable contribution to Bengal’s 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 Bengal’s grandest festival to life.

The welcome address was followed by a special felicitation ceremony honouring the artisans of Kumartuli, traditional dhakis and Chandannagar’s light artisans for their invaluable contribution to Bengal’s 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, Kumar tuli 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.

Dr. Dipankar Sarkar, Senior Consultant – Internal Medicine & Critical Care, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, said, “During the busy months before Durga Puja, artisans often put their work ahead of their own health and may overlook basic warning signs. Maintaining adequate sleep, hydration and nutrition, while keeping conditions such as diabetes and hypertension under control, is essential. Even simple preventive measures can help them remain healthy through a physically demanding season.”

Dr. Smartya Pulai, Clinical Lead – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “Kidney health is often overlooked until a problem becomes significant. For artisans working long hours, especially in physically demanding conditions, maintaining adequate hydration and avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of painkillers are important preventive measures. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar is equally important, as these are major risk factors for kidney disease.”

Dr. Vaibhav Seth, Consultant, Neurology, Manipal Hospital Broadway and Salt Lake, said, “The combination of long working hours, physical exhaustion, stress and inadequate sleep can affect both mental and neurological wellbeing. Artisans should make time for adequate rest and should not ignore symptoms such as persistent headaches, unusual weakness, tingling or dizziness. Early medical assessment can help identify underlying concerns and ensure that minor symptoms do not progress into more serious problems.”

Dr. Anshu Sen, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, said, “Long hours of repetitive work, physical fatigue and disrupted sleep can affect neurological wellbeing. Symptoms such as persistent headaches, dizziness, numbness, weakness or changes in balance should never be ignored. Adequate sleep, hydration, regular breaks and timely neurological evaluation when symptoms persist can help protect their health while they continue their craft.”