The Kumartuli area of Kolkata is a fine manifestation and hub of creative economic activities involving the heritage activity of idol making over the years. The female artisans of Kumartuli are engaged in idol-making activities along with the male artisans is an important facet of women empowerment and gender equality in economic participation. Therefore, creativity has ensured the inclusive participation of women in idol-making activities. A SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis clearly reflects the importance of the geographic location of Kumartuli as a whole in the state capital city of Kolkata. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the livelihood mechanisms of female artisans. A comparison of the pre-COVID-19 annual turnovers with the post-COVID-19 ones clearly foregrounds the above fact. The case studies also reveal the onerous effect of the pandemic on the life of the female artisans. The creative activity of idol making has shown gradual improvement in 2022. However more sustainable, inclusive policies must be undertaken by the government to ensure an all-around inclusive growth keeping in mind the promises made by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Millennium Development Goals in the long run.

Creativity, idol making, COVID-19, female artisans, women empowerment