This month's altar honours the Hindu Goddess of Power, Durga, and her Victory of Good over Evil. Her victory signifies the preservation of Dharma in the universe and the cosmic supremacy of the feminine divine power Shakti, which underlies and sustains all existence.
Durga's annual ten-day festival, Durga Puja, was celebrated earlier this month. The world's largest Durga Puja festival in West Bengal is recognized by UNESCO in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Durga is always depicted riding a lion, just like Ishtar the Great Goddess of Babylon. My statue of Durga is hand-carved white soapstone from India. She is one of the first goddess figurines I found when I moved here to Edmonton nearly 30 years ago. (And I found her at West Edmonton Mall -- of course!)
Several varieties of flowers associated with Durga's many positive qualities are traditionally offered to honour her during Durga Puja ceremonies. My altar represents four of the most popular tributes -- Red Hibiscus (altar cloth), Lotus (fibre-optic devotional lamp), Jasmine (scented stick of incense), and Rose (fresh-cut in the fingertip bowl).
[Photos © Debra She Who Seeks, 2026]
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