Kumartuli: Make your own Pratima

How an idol is made

Idol-making begins months before Pujo, often on Rath Yatra day, with a puja for the wooden or bamboo frame (khatamo). Straw is bound on to give the shape, sticky clay mixed with straw goes on first, then fine river clay for smooth skin. After drying, painting and dressing in shola or shining daker saaj, the artist paints the eyes last, traditionally around Mahalaya. That is chokkhu daan, the gift of eyes.

How to play

• Khatamo: tap each glowing joint of the frame before it fades.
• Straw and clay: rub over the whole face to cover it, three times, before the timer runs out.
• Drying: hold to heat the clay; let go before the meter enters the red, or it cracks.
• Paint and dress her, then draw both eyes and the third eye with your finger. Share the picture of your pratima.