Snapshot: Festival of the Goddess

Siliguri, West Bengal, India–On September 28, a girl carries the head of the goddess Durga after its immersion in the river Mahananda during the Vijaya Dashami festival, the final day of Durga Puja. Durga, who is honored as “one who can redeem in situations of utmost distress” symbolizes power and the triumph of good over evil. The festival culminates in the immersion of Durga idols in bodies of water.