Natungram

The Wonderland of Wooden Dolls

কাঠপুতুলের দেশ

Natungram, located in Purba Bardhaman, stands as a vibrant hub for traditional wooden doll making, with artists known as 'Sutradhars’ and ‘Bhaskars’ crafting intricate figures from single pieces of wood. These dolls, inspired by ancient folklore and mythology, are distinguished by their vivid colours and ethnic style, with the owl—an auspicious symbol associated with the goddess Lakshmi—holding iconic status among Bengal’s handicrafts. Nearby, the rich cultural heritage of the region continues to unfold through Shola craft of Bonkapashi village, Kalna's ancient temples, Nabadwip's spiritual history, and Katwa's historic sites, including the 108 Shiva temples and ancient Jain temples, providing a deep and immersive experience of Bengal's artistic and spiritual legacy.

Art Forms

Wooden Dolls

Natungram’s wooden dolls are intricately carved from single blocks, showcasing local culture and mythology. Featuring owls, Radha-Krishna, Durga, and Raja-Rani pairs, these dolls blend innovative design with simplicity. Artists now also craft various furniture items.

Attractions

In Natungram, explore the exquisite range of wooden dolls, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. In the village you can also find handloom weavers and their flawless artistry. Within a distance of 15 km lies Bonkapashi village, a hub for Sholapith craft. Nearby, visit Kalna's ancient temples, and Katwa's rich cultural heritage.

Film

Activities

Explore the Wooden Doll Folk Art Centre and Community Museum in Natungram to witness the intricate process of wooden doll making and interact with skilled artists. Visit the 108 terracotta Shiva temples at Kalna and take a stroll along the serene Bhagirathi river banks. Additionally, discover the historic and spiritual sites of Nabadwip and Katwa.

How to Reach

Natungram is 49 km from Kalna, and 18 km from Katwa. Local vehicle is available for travelling from Kalna/Katwa to Natungram.

Agradwip station (local train stops here) is adjacent to the village.