Expo on Durga cult in India and abroad in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Photos of Goddess Durga as Mahishasuramardhini in India and abroad ranging in date between the 1st to 18th century AD were displayed at a photo exhibition held at the Cultural Centre of Vijayawada and Amaravati (CCVA) organised jointly by Photo India and CCVA.

Noted psychiatrist Indla Rama Subba Reddy inaugurated the show and said that the form of Mahishasuramardhini in different postures wearing plenty of weapons is nothing but symbolical representation of woman's empowerment in the Indian society in various epochs.

Dr T S Reddy of Photo India, who designed the exhibition, said that Goddess Durga also represents the vibrant power of Indian woman throughout the ages. Dr E Shivanagi Reddy, CEO, CCVA, briefed on the historical evolution of Durga sculptures right from the Satavahana times to the late Vijayanagara period and variations in the iconography of the goddess in different parts of the country and south-east Asian countries with the special focus of Andhra Pradesh.

Prof L Jayasree, former Head, Department of Law, Nagarjuna University, K Meenakshi, chairperson, Meenakshi Arts and Crafts Welfare Society spoke on the occasion. A good number of scholars and devotees of the Goddess Durga, and M Chimpiraiah, Malaxmi Group and Golla Narayana Rao, K Jitendra Babu participated in the event.