
The worship of Goddess Durga (or Durga puja, also called Dusshera) is a spectacular event especially in the eastern state of West Bengal, India. It mars 5 continuous days of immense festivities, colour and gaiety. The highlight of this particular festival is the worship of idols of the Goddess and her retinue and is marked by friendly competition between neighborhoods on the quality and often size of the idol on display. Most of these idols are made in Kumartuli, a small ghetto-like colony inside the heart of the City of Joy. Here we see a pair of artisans busy in preparing the ornamental headgear for the idols. Micro finance loans play a crucial role in keeping these small time artisans afloat and help keeping this rich tradition alive.