Calcutta Art Studio Lithograph
Region / Date
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
ca. 1878–1883
From the folio “Fifteen Hindu Pictures”
Key Features
This deeply emotional lithograph captures the poignant moment of Bijaya-the farewell of Durga (as Parvati) from her parental home, a theme central to Bengali devotional culture and the culmination of Durga Puja.
At the left, Shiva arrives to escort his wife back to Mount Kailash, gently holding their son Ganesha in his arms. His calm and ascetic presence contrasts with the emotional intensity of the scene, grounding the moment in divine inevitability.
At the center stands Durga, her face lowered in quiet sorrow as she prepares to depart. She is surrounded by her family and attendants—women who adjust her veil, offer gifts, and prepare her for the journey. Their gestures are filled with tenderness and grief, echoing the universal experience of a daughter leaving her maternal home.
This moment of departure—Bijaya or Vijaya Dashami—is one of the most emotionally resonant aspects of Bengali tradition. It symbolizes not only the end of the festive celebration but also the cyclical rhythm of reunion and separation, where the goddess returns annually to her earthly home only to depart again.
The composition reflects a domestic intimacy rarely seen in divine imagery. The gods are portrayed not in cosmic grandeur, but as a family—making the scene deeply relatable. The inclusion of gifts, ritual offerings, and attendants grounds the divine narrative in everyday cultural practice.
Stylistically, the artwork blends Indian devotional themes with Victorian sentimentalism, emphasizing expressive faces, narrative staging, and emotional realism. The scene unfolds almost like a theatrical farewell, heightening its emotional impact.
Beyond its narrative, this image symbolizes श्रद्धा (devotion), परिवार (family bonds), and विरह (separation)—universal emotions that transcend mythology and resonate deeply within human experience.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving lithographic detail and hand-colored textures
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Devotional homes, Durga Puja celebrations, and collectors of cultural heritage art
Why You’ll Love It
A touching portrayal of divine family bonds—capturing the bittersweet beauty of farewell and tradition.
Order Now
Bring home Bijaya, a timeless expression of love, departure, and the sacred rhythm of return.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.
