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Monks Of Belur Math Celebrate Kumari Puja In India

Priests of the Ramakrishna Mission worship a living goddess 'Kumari' in front of a clay image of the Hindu goddess Durga during a ritual at Belur Math, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of Kolkata, India, on September 30, 2025. A girl between 5 to 10 years of age is worshipped as Kumari or living goddess during Durga Puja, a five-day festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga, which ends with the immersion of the clay idols on October 2. Durga Puja is first celebrated at Belur Math in 1901, initiated by Swami Vivekananda, who introduces the worship of Mother Durga in an image, breaking from the previous practice of simple chanting by Sri Ramakrishna's disciples. (Photo by Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#12812362
Date Taken	30 September 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Debajyoti Chakraborty/NurPhoto

Ramakrishna Mission living goddess Kumari clay image Hindu goddess Durga ritual Belur Math Kolkata India September 30 2025 girl 5 to 10 years worshipped Durga Puja five-day festival immersion clay idols Oct. 2 celebrated 1901 Swami Vivekananda Mother Durga image worship previous practice chanting Sri Ramakrishna disciples photo Debajyoti Chakraborty NurPhoto.