 Making of the Devi's Idol : An artist shapes up the face of Maa Durga’s idol |
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 Making of the Devi's Idol : An artist shapes up the face of Maa Durga’s idol |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : The face of Maa Durga is the most intricate part of the idol. |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Faces of Maa Durga drying up in the sun |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Faces of Maa Durga drying up in the sun |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Coating of the idols with the mixture of clay |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : The idols are drying before the finishing touches |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : The idols are drying before the finishing touches |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : First shade of colour on Maa Durga's face |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : The eyes of the goddess are drawn by the idol makers, known as ‘ChakshudIn Bengal, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities. It is the day when the goddess Durga is believed to have descended to Earth. And the people who bring the goddess to life are the idol makers, who work tirelessly in the run-up to the festival. Capturing their ‘den’ through the lens. |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Offering the EyeThis auspicious ritual is also called 'Chokkhu Daan' |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Offering the EyeThe idols are prepared several months before the celebration, except for one part: their eyes. They are only drawn on ‘Mahalaya’ that is one day before the ten-day festival commences. This process is known as ‘Chokkhu Daan’, meaning the Goddess is invited to earth. It marks the beginning of Durga’s journey to visit the mortal world. |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : The final touch is given to the Devi |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : An artist paints the eyes of Mahishasura |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : This final touch is given to the DeviThe final step before the Devi proceeds towards the pandals is to dress up Maa in a gorgeous saree and intricate jewellery and garlands. The pieces of jewellery and garlands are made using materials like paper, glitter, bead and bright threads. Sometimes the pieces of jewellery are made in clay itself while moulding the idol. These are then painted and decorated. |
 Making of the Devi's Idol : Small size completed idol ready for export |
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 VisarjanVisarjan is held after the main Pujo ends when the Goddess is immersed into the water so she can return to her heavenly abode. The Visarjan is held on Mahadashami or the last day of the celebrations |
 VisarjanThere are tearful farewells and a grand send off to Maa as she’s paraded around the locality and the city before she is finally taken to the ghat to be immersed. |
Durga Puja is a celebration of divine feminine power and victory over the evil demon ‘Mahishasura’ who was blessed not to be defeated by any man or God. The collective energy of all Gods created Goddess Durga, who then defeated and killed the demon king Mahishasura after ten days of fighting. Hence, the day of Durga’s victory, which is the final day of the celebration, is also celebrated as ‘Vijayadashmi’ – meaning “Victory on the 10th day”.
Each day of Durga Puja is full of rituals and customs with different significance. With energy buzzing in the air, the city of Kolkata lights up for the ten days of the Durga Puja. With the sound of dhak and shankh (conch shell) along with the smell of freshly cooked bhog in the air, every household of Bengal celebrates each day with boundless energy.