An image from an ancient text on Durga Puja
Kolkata: The Asiatic Society’s special exhibition, ‘Devi Durga: From Archives to Festivals’, beginning Monday, Oc 12, offers a glimpse into the evolution of Bengal’s biggest cultural celebration, tracing its roots through ancient manuscripts, religious literature, early printed texts and artistic traditions. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
“While contemporary Bengalis are familiar with the ten-armed Mahishasuramardini, the exhibition introduces visitors to lesser-known representations of the goddess, ranging from two-armed forms to extraordinary depictions featuring as many as 20 arms,” said Asiatic Society director and administrator Lt Col Anant Sinha. Hosted at the Society’s heritage building on Park Street, the month-long exhibition brings together rare palm-leaf manuscripts, 19th-century Battala lithographs and other archival materials that reveal how the goddess’s representation and worship have evolved over generations. Specially curated panels examine Durga’s presence in ancient religious literature, particularly the Devi Mahatmya, a celebrated section of the Markandeya Purana, added Sinha. Equally compelling is the exhibition’s exploration of the social history of Durgotsav. It traces the evolution of worship from early religious traditions and the ritual of Akal Bodhan, or the autumnal invocation of the goddess, to the elaborate household pujas patronised by Bengal’s wealthy zamindars and aristocratic families. The narrative also highlights the emergence of Barowari and Sarbojanin celebrations. The exhibition also highlights the importance of Battala printing traditions in disseminating religious imagery and narratives beyond manuscript collections. Download the TOI App.
This transformation helped turn Durga Puja into the public cultural phenomenon that defines Bengal today.