India's Invincible Durga

Travel to India to learn about the invincible Durga. Her strength and regal beauty are celebrated by Hindus each fall.

• 1.

  Devi, an important part of the Hindu religion, is the invincible Durga. Pictured astride a big cat, she has many arms that illustrate her different strengthens and attributes. Often described as beautiful and deadly, Durga is credited with saving the universe from Asura and thus symbolizes victory over demons.

• 2.

  Throughout India, Durga is honored during the fall festival of Durga Puja. A long series of rituals is performed every day of the celebration, many related to the river Ganga. Study depictions of Durga to see how she is portrayed and learn more about Hinduism.

• 3.

  Sculpt a replica of a statue of Durga with Crayola® Model Magic®. Create your own colors by covering white Crayola Model Magic with Crayola Washable Gel Marker color. Knead it to blend your desired palette.

• 4.

  With a handful of Model Magic, sculpt the big cat that carries Durga. Make sure the cat is large enough to hold the goddess. Air-dry the cat overnight.

• 5.

  Using more Model Magic, shape Durga’s body, arms, and head. Air-dry the sculpture overnight.

• 6.

  Secure the pieces together with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry for 24 hours.

• 7.

  If you want a glossy finish on your figure, mix equal parts of water and glue. With a sponge brush, cover the statue with glaze. Air-dry on wax paper.

• 8.

  On recycled file folders, draw details for the sculpture using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils: her face, objects in her hands, and decorations such as lotus flowers. Cut out with Crayola Scissors. Other decorative craft materials may be added also. Atta

• 9.

  With Crayola Glitter Glue add your final regal embellishments. As a last step, add her eyes.

Benefits

• Students learn about an important Hindu figure and the annual festival in her honor.
• Students model an elaborate statue in Durga’s likeness.
• Students explore decorative media to add richness to their sculpture.

Adaptations

• Visit an art museum to study India’s art.
• Create a family tree of the Hindu deities to begin to understand their complex relationships.
• In small groups, sculpt other important Hindu figures for an educational display.
• Read the legends associated with Durga.
• Research other faiths to note how they are similar and dissimilar to Hinduism.