CARDIFF.- From 18 March to 4 April 2009, two artists from India will be at St Fagans: National History Museum, Cardiff creating colourful full-size images of a Hindu goddess for the Wales Puja Committee.

The visit of the artists to Wales will offer the unique opportunity to see them at work creating images of the goddess Durga and her companions; a rare site outside of Bengal.

It is said that Durga is extremely beautiful with her long wavy hair, and three lotus-shaped eyes; she stands astride a lion, holding ten different weapons in each of her ten hands.

In India , the sculptures are created annually, because at the end of a period of celebrating, they are immersed in a river or lake, but for Welsh Bengalis, they have to keep hold of the images for the ‘Durga Puja’ festival every autumn because it is impossible to create new sculptures every year.

“We are extremely glad for this chance to invite these amazing artists from India to Wales ; we can’t wait to share our culture with the rest of Wales .” said Sandip Raha, Wales Puja Committee.

Project Facilitator Roma Choudhury, will be on hand daily to interpret and explain the work of the craftsmen, and there will be an opportunity for families to take part in art workshops inspired by the Indian images with Welsh artist Luned Rhys Parri on March 28.

The process of creating a statue of Durga is a holy one from start to finish and at 2pm, 1 April the sacred ceremony of Chakshu Daan – the painting of the eye will take place. The climax of the event is the completion ceremony, which happens at the Museum at 2pm, 4 April.

Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales operates seven national museums across Wales . These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum , National Roman Legion Museum , Big Pit: National Coal Museum , National Wool Museum , National Waterfront Museum in Swansea and the National Slate Museum .