Why do potters use soil from a sex-worker’s home to make Maa Durga’s idol?

The process of sculpting Maa Durga’s idol is far more complex than just moulding the clay on the bamboo structure. One of the most interesting customs associated with this festival is the collection of a small quantity of soil from the doorway of a prostitute’s house. This ritual has to do with concepts of purity, … Read more