📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / নিপন নিয়ৰ শেনছোৱা
Religion
WhatsApp images and modern puja themes transform Guwahati’s idol‑making craft
✍️ The Assam Tribune
🗓 11 Oct 2026, 10:16 AM
👁 14
Artisans in Guwahati are adapting their traditional idol‑making techniques after receiving design ideas via WhatsApp and catering to contemporary puja themes.
In Guwahati, the age‑old craft of carving and painting religious idols is undergoing a noticeable shift. Local artisans report that customers now frequently share photographs of desired designs through WhatsApp, allowing them to replicate intricate patterns that were previously uncommon in the region.
These digital references are often linked to current puja themes, such as eco‑friendly celebrations or contemporary cultural motifs, prompting craftsmen to experiment with new colour palettes, materials and sizes. The ease of instant communication has shortened the turnaround time for orders, enabling sellers to meet the heightened demand during major festivals like Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi.
While the core techniques of moulding clay, applying papier‑mâché and hand‑painting remain unchanged, the visual language of the idols reflects a blend of tradition and modern consumer preferences. Industry observers note that this convergence of technology and devotion may help sustain the craft by attracting younger buyers while preserving its cultural essence.
These digital references are often linked to current puja themes, such as eco‑friendly celebrations or contemporary cultural motifs, prompting craftsmen to experiment with new colour palettes, materials and sizes. The ease of instant communication has shortened the turnaround time for orders, enabling sellers to meet the heightened demand during major festivals like Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi.
While the core techniques of moulding clay, applying papier‑mâché and hand‑painting remain unchanged, the visual language of the idols reflects a blend of tradition and modern consumer preferences. Industry observers note that this convergence of technology and devotion may help sustain the craft by attracting younger buyers while preserving its cultural essence.