The Making of Goddess Durga in Mumbai

Two months back, I had an opportunity to visit a workshop in Parel, Mumbai  where  idols of Lord Ganesha were made . It  was a wonderful experience to see the making of the idols of the elephant-god. So I decided to visit a workshop making idols of  Goddess Durga, as well, at Dadar, Mumbai. 

Durga Puja festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura marking the triumph of good over evil.  Durga as a warrior goddess carry the most lethal weapons in her arms and rides on  a lion. 

Unfinished works-  at Dadar, Mumbai

When I entered the workshop,  I saw scores of idols in various stages of their making. There were finished and unfinished idols in the workshop. Most of the statues are made of clay, painted and later on decorated with sarees, hair, ornaments and weaponry.

 Artists gives finishing touches to an idol at a workshop in Dadar, Mumbai

There was a wide variety of idols varying from small to larger sizes, different shapes, vibrant colors and designs.

The idols are then transported in trucks or by cars to the places of worship. It was a great experience to see the creation of idols, which later I would  see in pandals