After over 100 years, Annapoorna idol on way back to Kashi from Canada

VARANASI: The city of Shiva will soon get back the antique stone idol of Goddess Annapoorna, which was stolen over a century ago from a Varanasi ghat and found its way to University of Regina, Canada. It is a coincidence that the beginning of the World Heritage Week, from November 19 to 25, is witnessing the repatriation of the statue from the Canadian university.
According to a university press statement, the Annapoorna, the statue from the University of Regina’s collection at the MacKenzie Art Gallery, will soon begin its journey home following a virtual repatriation ceremony held on November 19.

18th century Idol of Annapoorna at University of Regina’s MacKenzie art gallery and (right) golden idol of goddess enshrined in Annapoorna Mandir
The University of Regina’s Dr. Thomas Chase, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, met with Ajay Bisaria, High Commissioner of India, over Zoom to officially repatriate the statue. Representatives from the MacKenzie Art Gallery, Global Affairs Canada, and Canada Border Services Agency also attended the ceremony.