From Clay to Colors – Durga Puja Preparations at CR Park

Last updated on November 1st, 2025 at 04:48 pm

While reviewing my shots from my previous visit to CR Park during Durga Puja preparations, I realized something was missing. I had only captured clay idols kept under a shed to dry. That felt like an incomplete story—just clay, no colors. What I truly wanted was to see the artists painting the idols, the stage where they actually come alive.

But I had no clue what time to go. It was a gamble.

The Inner Struggle

Honestly, I felt demotivated. Traveling 1.5 hours one way just to maybe get painting clips felt risky. What if I reached and nothing was happening? What if I had to return empty-handed?

Then a thought struck me:

“What would happen if I go and it’s not happening? At least I’ll try to capture something different. Just go—you never know.”

That one line pushed me forward.

Heading Out Solo

Last time, I had gone with a friend. This time, it was just me, my belief, and my passion to complete the incomplete. 

I left home at 2:30 p.m. and reached Kali Mandir by 4 p.m. But the artists were resting. The painting had just begun, only a few strokes visible. So, I decided to wait.

An Unexpected Companion

Meanwhile, someone arrived, vlogging on his phone. He was also there to see the idol painting. We walked around together, and he mentioned another spot—Chander Lok Cinema, an abandoned building where idols were kept.

I had visited it last year but saw nothing. This time, I decided to give it another shot.

The Moment of Delight

As soon as I entered Chander Lok Cinema, there it was—an artist painting the idol right in front of me. For a few minutes, I just stood still, watching the magic unfold. With every stroke of paint, the idol was slowly coming alive. That was the moment I had been chasing.

• I used my GoPro Hero 13 Black to capture creative shots from multiple angles.
• I even requested the artist to paint on my GoPro lens as if he was painting the idol. It came out beautifully—one of those unique shots you remember forever.

We shot till 6 p.m., until the natural light faded away.

You can see the below video I made using multiple creative angles to build a story.

Back to Kali Mandir

Before heading home, I returned to Kali Mandir. By then, the artists had started painting the idols too, but since they were inside, the lighting wasn’t good enough for shooting.

I shot a few photos; instead, I simply observed—their dedication, and the atmosphere.

Ending Thoughts

That one moment at Chander Lok Cinema made the entire journey worth it. Sometimes, you just need to listen to your heart.

When your heart says “go for it,” trust it. It might just take you to the right place.

Durga Puja at CR Park Youtube Video

I’ve captured the first day and the last day of the Durga Puja, and made a cinematic film around it. You can see it below: