Durga Puja 2024: The Goddess Slays the Demon of Deceit—Trump in the Lead Role
Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. This year’s installation reimagines Mahishasura—the demon of deceit who can change shape—as Donald Trump, accused of disturbing the balance of India's friendships with other nations. The goddess’s battle remains a mirror of current fears and power dynamics, a reminder that deceit can appear in many forms.
Durga Puja Mirrors Current Affairs: Mahishasura as Trump, the Deceiver
Durga Puja has always used myth to address the moment. This year, the demon of deceit is Trump, casting a shadow over India's international ties. The creators hoped to provoke awe, but many spectators reacted with laughter rather than gasps. The article notes past depictions—Osama bin Laden in the year of 9/11, and Xi Jinping during the 2020 India–China border clashes—illustrating how the festival uses contemporary concerns to fuel conversation about power and harmony.
Why This Matters: From Modi to Tariffs, A Global Stage for Satire
Once, Trump met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NRG Stadium in Houston, and much of India watched with pride. That warmth has cooled. The article notes that Trump publicly mocked New Delhi, calling the Indian economy "dead" and imposing some of the highest tariffs in history. India called the tariffs "unfair" and "unjustified". Behind the statue, a team worked at night in secrecy to surprise the crowd; instead, many onlookers laughed. Across Asia, Trump surfaces in unexpected ways—an opera in Hong Kong featured him as the lead, and even branded items in China shaped like him and his hair. The memory endures, whether one loves him or not. If you found this story interesting, follow and leave a comment.
