India's Invincible Durga

crayola supplies

Erasable Colored Pencils
Gel Markers
Model Magic®
No-Run School Glue
Glitter Glue
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

recycled newspaper
paper towels
wax paper (optional)
recycled file folders
decorative craft items (optional)
sponge brushes (optional)

Why?

Travel to India to learn about the invincible Durga. Her strength and regal beauty are celebrated by Hindus each fall.

Steps

1. Devi, an important part of the Hindu religion, is the invincible Durga. Pictured astride a big cat, she has many arms that illustrate her different strengthens and attributes. Often described as beautiful and deadly, Durga is credited with saving the universe from Asura and thus symbolizes victory over demons.
2. Throughout India, Durga is honored during the fall festival of Durga Puja. A long series of rituals is performed every day of the celebration, many related to the river Ganga. Study depictions of Durga to see how she is portrayed and learn more about Hinduism.
3. Sculpt a replica of a statue of Durga with Crayola® Model Magic®. Create your own colors by covering white Crayola Model Magic with Crayola Washable Gel Marker color. Knead it to blend your desired palette.
4. With a handful of Model Magic, sculpt the big cat that carries Durga. Make sure the cat is large enough to hold the goddess. Air-dry the cat overnight.
5. Using more Model Magic, shape Durga’s body, arms, and head. Air-dry the sculpture overnight.
6. Secure the pieces together with Crayola School Glue. Air-dry for 24 hours.
7. If you want a glossy finish on your figure, mix equal parts of water and glue. With a sponge brush, cover the statue with glaze. Air-dry on wax paper.
8. On recycled file folders, draw details for the sculpture using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils: her face, objects in her hands, and decorations such as lotus flowers. Cut out with Crayola Scissors. Other decorative craft materials may be added also. Attach pieces with glue.
9. With Crayola Glitter Glue add your final regal embellishments. As a last step, add her eyes.

adaptations

Visit an art museum to study India’s art.

Create a family tree of the Hindu deities to begin to understand their complex relationships.

In small groups, sculpt other important Hindu figures for an educational display.

Read the legends associated with Durga.

Research other faiths to note how they are similar and dissimilar to Hinduism.

benefits

Students learn about an important Hindu figure and the annual festival in her honor.

Students model an elaborate statue in Durga’s likeness.

Students explore decorative media to add richness to their sculpture.

grades

Grades 4 to 6
Grades 7 to 12

subjects

Language Arts
Social Studies
Visual Arts

time

30 to 60 minutes
Multiple Sessions

curriculum standards links

US: Research U.S. Standards
UK: Research UK Standards
Canada: Research Canada Standards

safety guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—

Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.