Durga Puja, 1 Oct 06...Ulsoor and Jayamahal, Bangalore
October 2, 2006
….
Here she is, the mother Goddess, Durga, destroyer of the demon Mahishasura (demon in the form of a buffalo)
Durga’s vehicle is the lion. The decorations behind the idol are traditionally made of pith; nowadays, thermocole takes its place!
Notice the very traditonal faces of the Goddesses, and Durga's third eye in the centre of her forehead...it is used to destroy.
Here you can see more of the pandal (the tent) in which the Puja is housed; it has been made to look like a traditional Palki, or palanquin, in which people used to be carried (esp, covered Palkis were used for women.) You can see the handles for lifting the Palki at the left-hand side. The detailing was exquisite.
And in front of the Puja you can see a lady dressed in a traditional Bengali cotton saree, and a young man in a traditional kurta, epitomising the happiness of the Puja (which is pronounced "pujo" in Bengali.)
Today is Vijaya Dashami, when Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasur and became Mahishasura Mardhini (Slayer of Mahishasura). Bengalis exchange "Bijoya Greetings"....the same to all of you!

