Monday, 23 December 2024
Monday, 23 December 2024
Durga Puja, the five-day celebration, which marks the victory of good over evil, holds special significance for Bengalis. This year, the celebrations come with an added layer of emotion and reflection.
Amid the ongoing protests demanding justice for the R G Kar Medical College victim, a poignant portrayal of the goddess has emerged. One Durga Puja committee has unveiled an idol depicting the goddess covering her face with her palms, symbolising grief and empathy for the victimised woman—a striking statement on the ongoing fight for justice.
Artisans in Kumartuli are meticulously crafting beautiful idols of Goddess Durga, while pandal construction is in full swing, each aiming to outdo the other with creativity and grandeur. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has emphasised the cultural significance of Durga Puja, calling it not just a festival but 'the heartbeat of the Bengali identity, art, and heritage.'
Porters cover a Devi Durga idol before transportation to a 'pandal' for Durga Puja celebration, in Calcutta.
An artist creates sculptures on a wall of a community 'puja pandal' ahead of Durga Puja festival, in Calcutta.
An idol of Goddess Durga covering her eyes installed at a community Durga Puja pandal on the theme of 'shame' in an attempt to highlight the recent incident of alleged sexual assault and murder of a trainee doctor, in Calcutta.
A devotee adorns an idol of Goddess Durga with jewellary at a community puja pandal amid Durga Puja festivities, in Calcutta.
A community puja pandal made using raw food ingredients amid ‘Durga Puja’ festivities, in Calcutta.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during inauguration of the Babubagan community Durga Puja pandal on 'Mahalaya', in Calcutta.
A model of a tram compartment at a community 'puja' pandal ahead of the Durga Puja festival, in Calcutta.
A 100-foot idol of Goddess Durga being installed at a community puja pandal ahead of the ‘Durga Puja’ festival, in Calcutta.
