Thames Immersion for Hindu Idols

October 2, 2006

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/5401122.stm

Idols of Hindu gods were immersed in the river Thames in west London, as hundreds from the Hindu Bengali community attended the ceremony.

This is the first time the community was allowed to give a traditional send-off to the deities by London's port authorities.

The idols, belonging to a tableau measuring 18ft by 20ft, were made from clay, straw and vegetable dyes.

The submergence marked the end of the week-long festival of Durga Puja.

The installation - comprising of the main female goddess Durga, the demon she is depicted slaughtering and her children - were built at the British Museum by craftsmen who were brought in from the Indian state of West Bengal.