I used to be a pseudo atheist for a big chunk of childhood, choosing to believe in God when I had an exam coming or results pending.
But I grew up to believe in Goddesses- Durga, Kali, Saraswati. I was later introduced to Goddesses from other pagan belief systems such as Inana, Isis, Hecate and I started believing in them too- you give me a Goddess to worship, and I would
But even before this, I would miraculously find my faith during Durga Puja, every year. Durga Puja is popularly known to be celebrated for Devi Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. In Bengal & Odissa, it is also believed that during the festival, Goddess Durga visits her parental home and it is also another reason why the festival is celebrated with such aplomb.
During Pujo, my subconscious forces me to walk the path leading to her. Her magnetic eyes focused on destroying evil, her lips pursed and decisive aren’t unlike my mother’s when she admonishes me for not doing my homework or for not sharing my food with others.
If I had to imagine the Goddess, I would have imagined her just like she is, because she is an extension of us. You and I and every woman who decides that enough is enough and she won’t deal with any injustice.
Fingers in symphony 