29th September 1980
a.m.Kalighat. Sirish Pal's area is divided amongst his relations. I confirmed today that his father was the famous chitrakar of Kalighat. The weird figs weren't completed today-some were and those being collected for tomorrow's puja by 2 men wearing red loincloths, a red tikka and red string armbands. Shanti Ashram is in charge of this puja. It is, I was told by one of the 2 men, Dasamahavidya and Astamahavidya puja. Today I noticed a Bama Kali with a large pot belly.
I had discussion with some other artists. I asked why their Durga's chals were square. I was told that these ones would go into houses and had to fit in the doorways so they couldn't be over 6'. The semi-circular top also of some materials would be attached separately. I also noticed that they were using quite a lot of garan wood.
In Sirish's studio hand moulds were being used for the fingers. I also asked about the Orissan lion and was told that Sirish made some. Sirish comes from Haldia. He said he goes down past Mecheda sometimes.
I saw one Okal Bodhan image. There seem to be 3 basic types-Shiv/Parvati, Okal-Bodhan and Durga Mahishasuramardini. The Okal Bodhan is a recent innovation perhaps.
30th September 1980 - Kumartuli and Kalighat