Kumortuli | Obscura

In honor of goddess Durga countless creatures of straw and clay are modeled in the Kumortuli district in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The annual festival Durga Puja in October marks the victory of the goddess over the shape-shifting buffalo demon Mahishasura. The months before and after the ceremony various obscure relicts can be discovered between the ghats and working places. Especially during monsoon season sculptures are covered or they fade away into deformed creatures. According to mythology, the three-eyed Durga beheaded the immortal demon after a ten day fight with her ten arms. She freed the universe from evil, which can also be seen as a sign of power of femininity. Durga Puja is a major celebration in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.

July 2018