Artisans make idols for Hindu festival 'Durga Puja'

STORY: The idol-makers in the Chirang district used pearls, beads, and peacock feathers as materials to make idols of Hindu Goddess Durga and her children, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, and Kartik.

"There are seven idols in total," said the sculptor, Sanjay Chanda.

While Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various incarnations, Durga Puja is celebrated in eastern parts of India on the last five days of Navratri.

Devotees observe fast during these nine days and temporary festive instalments known as 'pandals' are set up, where they pray and participate in the festivities.

Navratri culminates on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Dussehra.