GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 7th Oct. This year’s Durga Puja, West Bengal’s most significant festival, is expected to be notably subdued as protests over the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital cast a long shadow over the festivities. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 9, has ignited widespread outrage and emotional turmoil across the state, raising pressing questions about women’s safety in a society that celebrates the goddess Durga as a symbol of strength and protection.
Sociologist Prashanta Roy noted, “It appears that this year’s Durga Puja will be much more subdued due to the RG Kar incident and the ongoing protests. Many can relate to the victim and her family, which is why the protests have emerged so spontaneously.” As Kolkata prepares for the festival, the city grapples with a troubling paradox of devotion while real-life women continue to face violence and injustice.
In a year that typically sees a surge in festive preparations, the atmosphere is starkly different, with the cries of “We Want Justice” resonating through the streets. Local traders are feeling the impact, reporting a significant decline in pre-Puja sales and advertisement revenues, with many fearing economic repercussions from the call to boycott the festivities.
Analysts suggest that while urban populations may heed the call to protest, rural areas are likely to maintain their traditional celebrations. Despite assurances from police that the celebrations will proceed peacefully, many community puja committees have opted to decline state funding, aligning themselves with the ongoing protests.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the public’s anticipation of the Durga Puja celebrations but emphasized the need for faith in the judiciary as the investigation into the doctor’s murder continues.
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