With the slogan of “We want justice” reverberating in the air, the spirits appear dampened for Bengal’s biggest festival, which was recognised by the UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. As Kolkata gears up for Durga Puja this year which is slated to commence on the 9th of October, preparations appear to be a little lacklustre this year as the city is still witnessing protests seeking justice for the rape and murder of a junior doctor inside R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital on 9th of August. It seems the city will return to the festivities only when justice is served.
As Navaratri celebrations begin across India, many Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata go through last minute preparations before being opened for the public from day 4 or day 5. A lot of Durga Puja pandals get inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Mahalaya itself, the last day of the Pitru Paksha, which also marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities for the Bengali community. While this year also pandals have been inaugurated and people have started visiting, somewhere the rhythm is missing.
“Not in a mood to celebrate Durga Puja this year. It has been almost two months since the ghastly incident and the culprits have not yet been punished. She (the victim) was one of us. How can we forget about her painful death and take part in festivities? We will continue with our protests until the actual culprits are identified and the harshest punishment is meted out to them,” a protesting junior doctor from Kolkata told The CSR Journal.
CM’s appeal to return to festivities, citizens reluctant
On 9th September, exactly a month after the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had made an appeal to the citizens of Kolkata to “Return to the festival and celebrate Durga Puja”. Despite the Chief Minister’s appeal, people are not in a mood to celebrate the festival in a grand way which it is done every year.
The horrific incident has left Kolkatans emotionally disturbed who seek justice for the 31-year-old deceased doctor. Citizens of Kolkata are still shivering with fear thinking what if the same happens with their daughter or sister as well in a state which fails to ensure safety for its women. In solidarity with the victim’s family and colleagues, Kolkatans do not seem to be very excited about Durga Puja this year.
Puja Committees refuse grant
Every year, the state government gives a grant to community clubs that organise Durga Puja across West Bengal. This year, the amount being offered to clubs and Puja committees is Rs 85,000. However, as a mark of solidarity with protesters seeking justice for the rape and murder victim, several Durga Puja committees in Kolkata and even across the state have refused to accept the grant.
Dip in pre-puja sales
Shopping malls and popular markets across Kolkata have witnessed low footfalls and a dip in the pre-puja sales this year, which clearly reflects the mood of the citizens and their reluctance to take part in festival celebrations. The scene is the same everywhere be it Hatibagan market, Fariapukur Market, Gariahat or New Market which are known for being Kolkata’s favourite pre-puja shopping destinations.
“Durga Puja has to happen as it is a religious festival, so it cannot be stopped suddenly. But honestly speaking, none of us are in a mood for festivities this year. The vibe is just missing this year. Everybody is disturbed. It seems we have lost a family member, a sister. I have not done any shopping this time unlike other years when we normally begin buying clothes, shoes and accessories in August only,” expressed Arnab Banerjee, a corporate employee.
Fewer sponsors
Kolkata Durga Puja pandals receive huge donations in the form of sponsors and advertisements. Huge flex banners and hoardings on both sides of the streets near a Durga Puja pandal are a common sight from at least a week before the festivities begin, which are sponsored by different companies and brands. However, this year, the hoardings appear to be smaller and fewer in numbers as compared to other years amid ongoing protests seeking justice for the horrific rape and murder of a junior doctor in the city less than two months ago.
