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  Hindu goddess, Durga 10 Oct 2005  
Why is she so revered?

In India, across much of the eastern side of the country - particularly in Bengal – the annual festival of Durga Puja is now in full swing. It takes its name from the Hindu goddess and warrior-princess Durga - one of the many incarnations of Shiva's wife.

In other parts of India, Durga takes different forms. She's also known as Parvati, Ambika and Kanyakumari.  But, whatever her name, she is the mother-goddess and nowhere is she more fervently worshipped than in the capital of west Bengal, Kolkata, which used to be known as Calcutta.

So why is she so revered, and how is her influence felt?


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