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Museum courtyard transforms into Durga Puja spectacle
7 Oct
Summary
- Indian Museum courtyard to host Durga Puja celebration with ancient art.
- Kantha embroidery and traditional crafts blend with museum heritage.
- Exhibition traces Durga worship's evolution from fertility to Mahashakti.
The Indian Museum in Kolkata is set to unveil "Devi Durga: Shakti, Matri, Karuna," an innovative Durga Puja celebration within its central courtyard. The program, commencing on October 11, aims to explore the multifaceted evolution of Durga worship.
This initiative will artfully juxtapose ancient representations of the Divine Feminine from the museum's collection with a monumental installation. This contemporary piece is rooted in Bengal's rich Kantha embroidery and sabeki craft traditions, involving hundreds of women artisans.
Director Sayan Bhattacharya emphasized the deliberate integration of living craft beside museum heritage. The exhibition will trace Durga's journey from early symbols of fertility and motherhood to her depiction as Mahashakti, showcasing changing forms, myths, and attributes.
Adding to the traditional ambiance, a sabeki-style Durga idol from Kumartuli, adorned with real gold jewelry, will be a central attraction. The broader installation will feature diverse Bengali craft practices, including sholapith, wood carving, metalwork, patachitra, and indigenous jewelry.
The project also strongly emphasizes the artisans, particularly women, who are recognized as vital carriers of cultural memory. Artisans representing nine craft practices from across Bengal will participate, enriching the courtyard with their skills.
Beyond the exhibition, the museum has planned cultural programs and discussions. These activities extend the initiative into a comprehensive exploration of Durga Puja as an evolving cultural tradition, highlighting its intersections with iconography, ritual, craft, and community.
