Exhibition at Ramakrishna mission institute of culture celebrates the timeless legacy of Durga
Times of India | 10 September 2025
KOLKATA: Ahead of the Durga Puja, the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture at Golpark is preparing to host a unique exhibition titled "Mahamaya" that will pay tribute to Goddess Durga.
The exhibition, from September 18 to 20, will bring together an eclectic array of artefacts that narrate the timeless story of Durga.
The exhibition will feature a rich collection of over 32 exhibitors from West Bengal, showcasing rare coins, tokens, stamps, labels, oleographs, lithographs, offset prints, and vintage photographs. Each piece is a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural significance of the Goddess.
A collaborative effort between 'Heritage and We' and the Ramakrishna Mission, the exhibition promises to be an immersive cultural experience for art enthusiasts and devotees alike.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the display of lithographs and oleographs from the Calcutta Art Studio and Bengal Art Studio, offering a glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view 350-year-old brass utensils used in Puja rituals by the Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family, adding a touch of historical authenticity to the event.
Artist and art historian Asit Paul said the exhibition will present a comprehensive portrayal of the Goddess in her various forms—Annapurna, Mahamaya, Ugrachanda Bhima Bhairavi, and the beloved Bengali Uma, Gauri. The exhibition will also delve into the depiction of Durga in global contexts, with numismatist Sumitro Bandyopadhyay highlighting coins and notes from countries like Nepal, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Tibet.
These artefacts illustrate the Goddess's influence across cultures, with depictions of Saraswati on Japanese and Indonesian currency, and Ganesha and Indra from Thailand.
A special section dedicated to Patachitra, traditional scroll paintings, showcases the evolution of this art form through various media and ages, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the exhibition. Souvik Roy, the curator, said: "This exhibition is a celebration of the divine feminine in all her glory. It is an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich tapestry of stories, art, and history that surround Goddess Durga.