Jalpaiguri Lawyer’s Wax Durga Idol Steals the Show This Puja

Every year the streets of Bengal burst into colour for Durga Puja, and with the festivities comes a flood of creative talent – from towering pandals to intricate handmade idols. This time the buzz isn’t coming from a seasoned sculptor but from a lawyer who trades his briefcase for a wax‑melting pot after the courtroom lights go out.

Kunal Biswas, a practising advocate at the Jalpaiguri District Court, is known for his diligent work during the day – arguing cases, filing motions and juggling court schedules. Yet once the gavel is set aside, he swaps legal jargon for art supplies, and lately he’s been working on something rather unusual: a full‑size Durga idol made entirely of wax.

What makes the piece remarkable isn’t just the material. Wax is forgiving enough for amateurs, yet unforgiving when a tiny slip can ruin hours of painstaking detail. Biswas used roughly three kilograms of plain paraffin, heating it, pouring it into moulds and then sculpting each curve of the Goddess with the patience of a monk. Friends who’ve seen the progress say the idol captures the fierce yet graceful spirit of Durga, down to the tiniest embellishment on the crown.

He isn’t new to unconventional media. Over the years, Kunal has fashioned miniature Durga figures out of paper, soap bars, discarded medicine packets and even bits of clay he collected from his own home. “I like to surprise myself,” he admits, chuckling, “and maybe the people around me. Using everyday stuff keeps the process fun.”

Balancing a demanding legal practice with late‑night art sessions is no small feat. Biswas says he typically returns home after a long day in chambers, grabs a cup of tea, and then settles into his makeshift studio in the Shirishtala neighbourhood. “Sometimes I work until two or three a.m.; the quiet helps me focus,” he confides. The dedication pays off – colleagues at the district court have taken notice, cheering him on and even requesting a glimpse of the almost‑finished idol.

Prasenjit Pal, a senior lawyer who works alongside Kunal, praised the effort: “He never stops experimenting. This wax Durga is probably his most ambitious piece yet, and it’s already captivating everyone who’s seen it.” The supportive atmosphere extends to Kunal’s family, who often bring snacks and moral support while he wrestles with a stubborn wax droplet.

Beyond the personal triumph, the project carries a subtle message. In an era when expensive materials dominate festival art, Biswas proves that imagination, perseverance and a pinch of curiosity can replace costly supplies. The final idol, slated to debut at a local puja venue, is expected to draw crowds not just for its visual appeal but for the story behind it – a story of a lawyer who refuses to let his creative side gather dust.

As Durga Puja 2026 approaches, the city of Jalpaiguri will have yet another reason to celebrate. Whether you’re a devotee, an art enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a good under‑dog tale, keep an eye out for the glowing wax figure that symbolizes the marriage of duty and devotion.