Panpatti: The ‘Kumartoli’ of Silchar and its Idol-Making Heritage

Durga Puja is among the most celebrated religious and cultural festivals of the Bengali community, representing a harmonious synthesis of devotion, artistic creativity and collective cultural identity. In northeastern India, the Barak Valley of Assam comprising the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi has historically served as a vibrant centre of Bengali cultural heritage. Within this region, Silchar occupies a pivotal position in preserving and promoting the enduring tradition of Durga Puja, where the festival has evolved beyond a religious observance into a prominent artistic, cultural, and community-centred celebration.

This article examines the historical and cultural significance of Panpatti, a locality in Silchar widely known as the “Kumartoli of Silchar,” drawing comparison with Kumartuli, the famous idol-making centre of Kolkata. Based on historical sources, local narratives, and interviews with scholars and artisans, the study traces the emergence of Panpatti as the primary hub of idol making in the Barak Valley. It highlights the migration of skilled artisans from present-day Bangladesh during the colonial and post-Partition periods and the development of a hereditary idol-making tradition.

The paper also discusses contemporary challenges such as modernization, rising material costs, spatial constraints, and competition from external artists. Ultimately, the study emphasizes the need to preserve Panpatti’s century-old idol-making heritage as an important component of the cultural identity of Silchar and the Barak Valley.