T’SOI Girl Durga Puja #4

Durga—also known as Bhavani, Amba, Chandika, Gauri, Parvati and Mahishasuramardini—is the ‘Mother goddess’ and the ‘Protector of the Righteous’ to Hindu devotees. This is a nine-night celebration that more broadly celebrates the divine feminine. On the last day of Shardiya Navratri, women from the Bengali community offer vermilion to Maa Durga. This ritual is known as Sindoor Khela. All the married women present in the pandal apply vermilion to each other. With big hawans, prasad and traditional attire this festival is all about celebrating women called as the shakti (power).