Haripada Pal receives Crafts Villages Lifetime Achievement Award 2026

Veteran idol artist and master craftsman Haripada Pal has been honoured with the Crafts Villages Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangladesh's traditional idol sculpture and pottery heritage.

The award was presented at a ceremony organised by the National Crafts Council of Bangladesh (NCCB) at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi on June 20, Saturday. This year's award marked the 35th edition of the council's long-running lifetime recognition programme for distinguished craftspeople and folk artists.

The event was presided over by Chandra Shekhar Shaha, President of NCCB. The program was moderated by Sheikh Saifur Rahman, Executive Member of the Council, who also presented a paper on the life and work of the artist.

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In her welcome remarks, NCCB General Secretary Farhana Sharmin Shuchi said, “We are working tirelessly to ensure recognition for the grassroots artisans and craftspeople who continue to preserve and practice our traditional crafts.”

Tarun Kumar Paul, Managing Director of Crafts Villages Ltd, described traditional crafts as more than a profession. “We want to honour a craft tradition that spans a thousand years. This is not merely a profession; it is our history, heritage, women’s empowerment, and culture. These works often do not receive the recognition they deserve, and we are striving to change that,” he shared.

“Haripada Pal is a national treasure. Honouring an artist like him means honouring the identity of a nation,” he added.

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NCCB Vice President Shahid Hussain Shamim spoke on the history and significance of the award program.

Special guest Professor Bazlur Rashid Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Jagannath University, noted that pioneers such as Zainul Abedin and Quamrul Hassan had worked extensively to preserve and promote Bangladesh's cultural heritage, and added that safeguarding traditional crafts is now the responsibility of the present generation.

Another special guest at the event was Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Director General of the Bengal Foundation.

Professor Uday Shanker Biswas of the Department of Folklore at Rajshahi University, highlighted the historical roots of pottery and idol-making in Bengal and praised Haripada Pal's lifelong dedication to the art form. He stated, “Pottery and clay artistry are among our oldest cultural traditions. Evidence of this heritage can be found even at Somapura Mahavihara.”
“Many artists of Kumartuli trace their ancestral roots to the Bikrampur region of Bangladesh. Out of love for his country, Haripada Pal returned home and has made remarkable contributions to art and culture, continuing his work with dedication to this day,” he added.

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Born in Kurlia village of Ashulia, Haripada Pal has spent more than six decades working in idol-making and pottery. After gaining experience in Kolkata's renowned Kumartuli artisan quarter, he returned to Bangladesh and established his workshop in Shankhari Bazar, Old Dhaka. His works are displayed in temples, museums, cultural institutions and public projects across the country.

Expressing his feelings upon receiving the honour, Haripada Pal said that art has always been a source of joy and inspiration in his life. He shared, “The day I can no longer create, I hope the Creator will call me. My greatest wish is that everyone may live a beautiful life.”

“I feel deeply honoured and delighted to receive this award. I seek everyone’s blessings so that I may continue doing good work for people for the rest of my life,” he added.

At the conclusion of the event, NCCB President Chandra Shekhar Shaha expressed his gratitude to all guests, artists, sponsors, and well-wishers and formally declared the program closed.

Photo: Courtesy