By Aadya Bommineni, Shriya Shaji, Hansika Senthil, and Pehal Thacker
This month, we feature artwork from youth artists Jayapradha Saravanakumar and Arianna Sinha who share their artwork in relation to Navratri. They explain the choices behind their artwork in regard to the triumph of good over evil, traits of each goddess and their sacred animals.
Peacock of Light
Jayapradha Saravanakumar
Skyview Middle School
6th Grade
“My artwork, “Peacock of Light,” depicts a Madhubani-style peacock with its feathers spread wide. Navratri is a nine night period when we celebrate Goddess Durga and how she beat evil and helps us guide our own lives. I chose a peacock because it is Lord Murugan’s vahana, the animal he rides and we pray to his mother, Skandamata, on the fifth night of Navratri. Peacocks are also connected to Goddess Saraswati, and we pray to her to help us learn and guide our thinking. I used bright blues and greens because Navratri feels so happy, and reminds me of our new clothes, Golu dolls, and garba dancing. I added a rising sun because Navratri is about light and the journey of good winning over evil.”
- Jayapradha
The Nine Petals of Shakti
Arianna Sinha
8th Grade
“The Nine Petals of Shakti celebrates Maa Durga and the triumph of good over evil during Navaratri. Styled like a blossoming sacred flower, Maa Durga rides her majestic lion at the centerpiece, surrounded by glowing oil lamps. Each surrounded petal captures a divine manifestation and sacred vahana: Skandamata on her fierce lion, Kushmanda on a magnificent tiger, Kalratri riding a donkey to destroy evil, and Mahagauri seated peacefully upon a white bull. Brahmacharini embodies meditative devotion without a vehicle, joined by lotus seated Siddhidhatri, Chandraghanta on a battle-ready leopard, Shailputri on a powerful white bull, and multi-armed Katayayani atop her tiger. Behind these sacred forms run hand-inked Durga Chalisa scripting, framed within an intricate harmonious Madhubani border.”
- Arianna
