RG Kar case overshadows Navratri festivities in City of Joy

City stands at a crossroads between tradition and change, torn between devotion to goddess Durga, symbolising strength, protection and the harsh reality of violence against women

Kolkata: Durga puja, West Bengal’s biggest carnival, is likely to be subdued this year as calls to boycott the festivities grow in response to protests over the brutal rape-murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar hospital in August, casting a shadow over the city’s festive spirit.

The killing of the doctor on duty at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9 has ignited profound emotional turmoil across the State, as the vibrant excitement of Durga puja has been overshadowed by the troubling paradox of worshipping the goddess of strength and protection while real-life women continue to face grave dangers.

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As Kolkata grapples with this tragedy, the city stands at a crossroads between tradition and change, torn between devotion to the goddess Durga, symbolising strength, protection, and justice, and the harsh reality of daily violence and injustice faced by women.

“It appears that this year’s Durga puja will be much more subdued due to the RG Kar incident and the ongoing protests. Many people may participate in the Puja but choose to avoid the festive celebrations. Many can relate to the victim and her family, which is why the protests have emerged so spontaneously,” sociologist Prashanta Roy said.

The incident sparked an emotional outcry across the State, especially in the eastern metropolis, where nearly 3,000 Durga pujas are organised. For many Kolkatans, this year’s Durga puja has transformed from a mere festival into a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice, prompting reflection on the significance of worshipping a goddess when real-life women embodying her spirit remain unsafe.

“How can the city celebrate a festival that glorifies the divine feminine while turning a blind eye to the real-life women who suffer? This year, Durga puja may not only be a celebration but also a platform for a broader conversation about women’s safety and justice. This conversation is long overdue,” said a professor of a government college, who has been at the forefront of protests but did not wish to be named.

In the days leading up to Durga puja, Kolkata, typically buzzes with preparations — streets lined with pandals, lights strung up, and the air filled with the scent of festive delicacies — but this year, a noticeable silence prevails, punctuated by the cries of “We Want Justice” echoing across the city.

Durga puja is not only Bengal’s most celebrated festival but also a major economic driver, generating approximately Rs 32,377 crore in revenue according to a 2019 British Council of India report, and in 2024, this figure is expected to rise, providing vital support to thousands of livelihoods, including marquee creators, idol-makers, dhakis (traditional drummers), electricians, and vendors.