The 'Lajja' themed Durga Puja.
Credit: X/@ANI
Visuals have surfaced from a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata which will be dedicated to the R G Kar Hospital rape and murder victim.
News agency ANI posted a video on X of the pandal where the idol of the goddess can be seen covering her face with her palms, as if to depict that Durga is ashamed of the lows to which her earthly children have stooped.
Organisers of the said puja are calling the theme 'Lajja'.
Unlike the regular Durga idols where the goddess holds weapons in each of her ten hands, here all her hands are outstretched and empty.
A figure of a woman (which likely depicts the victim) lies just in front of the goddess, with Durga's lion keeping a watch on her.
Just beside the goddess hangs the oh-so-familiar apron donned by doctors around the world.
However, this idol will not be the one worshipped, and a separate traditional idol has been kept at the pandal for doing the puja.
X users have reacted both in favour and against the concept. One said, "This poignant installation aims to raise awareness about women's safety and the pressing issues of violence against women. The pandal highlights the need for justice and societal change, reflecting deep social concerns through its artistic expression during the festive season."
Another wondered, "In such pandals, how is it emotionally possible to celebrate the Durga Pooja, particularly on Ashtami day ; they dance with an earthen pot , greet ppl , all at backdrop of “ Abhaya” lying on the ground."
Someone not happy with the concept said, "Why always target our Hindu Dharma for anything?"
The secretary of the puja committee told the publication, "The theme of this pandal is 'Lajja' which is inspired by all the rape and murder incidents here in the state...The pandal shows that rape and murder incidents are taking place in the state and goddess Durga is ashamed of this therefore she has closed her eyes..."
"We want to show the loopholes of the state government, the atrocities they do on the women in the state, the corruptions they have done in the state...We have shown it," he further added.
A peek into Durga Puja themes
Since the turn of the century, Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata and beyond have often been used as artistic canvasses to depict the rich history and culture of our country and often to address social issues like climate change, the environment, conversation, and others.
Organisers try to send a social message to those who flock to the pandals to catch a glimpse of the goddess in her all glory during the puja days. Socially pertinent issues have often become themes of some of the most notable Durga Puja pandals in the City of Joy.
R G Kar case: Where does it stand now?
Junior doctors in West Bengal resumed an indefinite 'total cease work' on Tuesday, escalating protests over the state government's "failure" to address key demands including enhanced hospital security, a day after the Supreme Court emphasised the need for medics to perform essential duties.
The CBI on Tuesday grilled Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of the RG Kar Hospital, and suspended police officer Abhijit Mondal at a correctional home in connection with its probe into the alleged rape-murder of a doctor at the health facility, an official said.
The sleuths of the central agency interrogated Ghosh and Mondal at the Presidency Correctional Home where the two have been lodged, he said.
In continuing protests, thousands of people on Tuesday walked a 5-km stretch in the metropolis, shouting slogans and carrying placards, demanding justice for the doctor.
The rallyists, under the banner of Joint Platform of Doctors, walked in a procession from College Square to Rabindra Sadan along J L Nehru Road, calling for safety and equal rights for women.
With PTI inputs