Photographer's Note
Durga Puja (Bengali: দুর্গা পূজা, ‘Worship of Durga’), also referred as Durgotsab (Bengali: দুর্গোৎসব, ‘Festival of Durga’) is an annual Bengali festival that celebrates worship of Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the six days observed as Mahalaya, Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to traditional Hindu calendar and the fortnight corresponding the festival is called Debi Pokkho (Bengali: দেবী পক্ষ, ‘Fortnight of the Goddess’). Debi Pokkho is preceded by Mahalaya (Bengali: মহালয়া), the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Pokkho (Bengali: পিতৃ পক্ষ, ‘Fortnight of the Forefathers’), and is ended on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja (Bengali: কোজাগরী লক্ষ্মী পূজা, ‘Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagori Full Moon Night’)
I took this picture in my hometown, Chandannagar at a kumortuli (Bengali: কুমোরটুলী),a traditionally potters’ quarter where these idols are crafted, close to our house. By virtue of their artistic productions these potters have moved from obscurity to prominence.
This master craftsman (I do not remember his name) has just one month left to complete this idol. Then it will be taken to the pandals for worship.
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Photo Information
- Copyright: Bodhisattva Chattopadhyay (bodhisattva) (61)
- Genre: People
- Medium: Black & White
- Date Taken: 2008-09-21
- Categories: Festivals
- Exposure: f/2.6, 1/500 seconds
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2009-06-03 6:45