Hindu culture places their goddesses in a very high place and heavily respects the strength and purity that they represent. Does the same ideal apply to mortal women?
Kolkata will be hosting the tallest Durga idol this festive season. The statue will measure over 100 feet tall! The organizers behind the idol have big plans for paying their respects to the Goddess and will also be applying for the idol to have a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The idol is slated for completion by the second week of October.
Photo Credit: www.viresattached.com
The real question, however, is why the reality in the country contradicts the immense respect and love offered to deities. Why has the plight of women deteriorated so much, and why are women being persecuted through some misguided values?
Back in 2013, there was a campaign against domestic violence in India that showed shocking images of Hindu deities as "Abused Goddesses." Check out the article ANOKHI published on the subject here.
The beaten-up and bruised faces made an important point that seems to be overlooked. Despite the fact that there is such a high place for women as a part of Hinduism, India can be extremely unsafe for women. Living up to patriarchal ideals can be very difficult.
"Durga"
Photo Credit: www.scoopwhoop.com
"Lakhshmi"
Photo Credit: www.scoopwhoop.com
"Saraswati"
Photo Credit: www.scoopwhoop.com
More recently, Mumbai artist Kanika Kaul took on traditional Indian ideals and attitudes toward a woman's role in society. Her posters mock the idea of how the "perfect" Indian woman needs to be.
Photo Credit: Kanika Kaul
Photo Credit: Kanika Kaul
Photo Credit: Kanika Kaul
Photo Credit: Kanika Kaul
Kaul's series is the perfect blend of sarcastic humour that gives an honest insight about the trials and tribulations of a lot of women in India.
Why is it that the image of women in human form doesn't align with the image of women in Goddess form? Let us know your thoughts and comments on the topic.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.scoopwhoop.com
Nomaan Khan
Author
After spending some time in a completely different field, Nomaan decided to drop it all and switch to Mohawk College to pursue his longtime interest in the world of Journalism. His experience working in multimedia platforms has helped him develop exceptional skills in thinking on his feet, being ...
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