Clay Images of West Bengal

The ritual of Biskarma puja (August-September)

Although is has become customary to use clay images of Biskarma, no doubt the artisan of the past would have performed puja upon the tools of his trade. The puja itself follows the standard pattern of invocation, samkalpa vow, establishment of the ghat, purification, puja to Ganesh and the other deities, meditation, followed by Biskarma's special puja. The payment of Brahmin's fees completes the ritual. Images may be kept in workshops after puja or immersed.

Biskarma is shown standing in front of an elephant which is his mount. He is four armed and in each hand he carries tools of the trade such as hammer and pliers to indicate his role as the divine craftsman. He wears a dhoti and red slippers and sometimes a pugri on his head. He is usually painted pink or yellow. Most images do not include a chali or backdrop except for the larger images used by the puja committees. Like traditional Kali images they are usually about 4' high.

Calcutta notes on making the Biskarma image