Wales in the World


Placing the fingers on the Goddess Durga's hands

Award winning artists

The two award winning artists - Purnendu and Dubyendu Dey – were from Kolkata, India. Throughout the process of creation certain religious rites were followed. The most important of these is known as Chakkshu Daan - the Painting of the Eyes. Purnendu carefully brought Durga to life by painting her eyes. From this point on the image of the Goddess is worshipped as though she has all the powers given to her by the Gods.

The Pujas begin on the sixth day of Navaratri, the nine nights of rites to the Goddess Durga, with the welcoming of the Goddess and her family. Mantras are chanted in Sanskrit and offerings made to seek the Goddess’ blessings to fight evil.

After nine days the final day known as Dushera arrives, this is the day to say goodbye to the Mother Goddess and her family. In India, they are placed into the waters of the river Ganges, with hopes of welcoming her back next year. In Wales, they are stored carefully ready for next year.

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  • Durga
  • Durga

  • By NationalMuseumWales
  • Author rating: Authoritative 5/5
  • Added 15/06/2010
  • Images of the Goddess Durga and her family created by two artists from India for the Wales Puja Committee at St Fagans: National History Museum in the spring o...
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  • Items 46

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