Messages From Carrie
Durga Puja - Kolkata India
September 22nd, 2009
It is the season of Durga Puja in Kolkata, one of the most important of the Bengalese holidays. It is a time of high spirits and feels similar to Christmas time in the United States. Lights are hung from trees and buildings, people are out and walking, shopping for gifts and getting ready for family gathering and religious celebration. As I understand it, Durga Puja commemorates the winning of good over the power of evil. It is a festival of hope and time of grateful worship. Durga Puja was created in the image of a magnificent woman with ten hands and was sent to battle the forces of darkness. This battle symbolizes the inner struggle of humans with their goodness and darkness within themselves as well as humanity's struggle and triumph for good.
This so often is a theme that runs through the thoughts and spirits of human’s everywhere. How do we live better lives? Is the hope? Can humans rise above the things that would drag us down into violence and despair? Here in India I am moved by this celebration and affirmation that yes, there is hope and yes, that which has many names encourages and sends us courage and strength for the work before us.