Kali Visarjan, Dashaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi (Benaras), India.
Photo © Mohit Gupta, All Rights Reserved

Kali Visarjan is the concluding event of Durga Puja (or Vijayadashmi). During Durga puja, the idols of Goddess Durga (Kali) are worshipped for nine days in beautifully decorated pandaals. On the tenth day (known as VijayaDashmi), Visarjan or immersion of idols in sea or river waters is performed.

Durga, in Sanskrit means “She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach.” Goddess Durga is a form of Shakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

The photograph was taken at the Ghats in Varanasi while Goddess Kali was getting ready for Visarjan.