As Ganesha Chaturthi, a festivity fondly known as Ganesha Habba in Karnataka, approaches, Pottery Town in Bengaluru is buzzing with activity. From mammoth 12-feet-tall, colourful idols lining the streets to small clay idols inside the homes of artisans, Pottery Town is teeming with Ganesha idols, and artisans are busy giving finishing touches to the works of art.
Pottery by Kumbara community (traditional potters) artisans in Bengaluru has been used in various cultural and religious ceremonies, besides for functional purposes over the centuries. However, with urbanization and the availability of mass-produced goods, traditional pottery-making has faced challenges. Many Kumbara artisans had to adapt to changing economic conditions. Some diversified their craft by producing more contemporary pottery to appeal to a bigger market, while many have quit their traditional vocation.
