From the archive record
Social distancing and wearing masks have taken a backseat with devotees and temple priests removing the idol of goddess Durga after 10 days of rituals and celebrations. Devotees with chants and a lot of fanfare follow the idol of the Hindu god towards its final send-off at a water body. Durga Puja is celebrated among Hindus in India in various forms as a celebration of women and the goddess Durga who is also worshipped in many other forms. Durga Puja is mostly celebrated in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, Tripura and Bihar. Durga Puja is also the commemoration of the goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura, the shape-shifting demon in Hindu mythology. Mostly Durga Puja is a grand affair with many activities as part of the festivity but this year due to the Coronavirus outbreak th