Durga Puja 2013, Hiranandani Gardens, Mumbai

Hindu Goddess Durga is worshipped in several parts of India – particularly by Bengalis (the people of West Bengal state). Goddess Durga is the wife of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer) and represents ‘shakti’ or feminine strength. Durga Puja (a festival) is the worship and celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over the ‘asura’ (demon) who was creating havoc over the human world.

The ‘asura’ (shape-shifter demon) comes disguised as a buffalo (‘mahisha’) and is also called ‘mahishasura’. However, there’s no escape for him. Goddess Durga and her fierce and loyal mascot, the lion, finds him and destroys him to save the world.

During Durga Puja, which is celebrated typically in the Autumn season, Goddess Durga is accompanied by her two daughters Lakshmi and Saraswati, and her two sons Kartik and Ganesha.

Here are photos of idols of Goddess Durga, her destruction of the ‘asura’, and her four children – as displayed at the Durga Puja festival in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai: