In Kolkata, India, Tapas Pal, a clay idol maker at Kumartuli, has been creating idols of various gods and goddesses for the past twenty years. Normally, he is busy working on six-meter high clay idols in preparation for the Durga Puja festival, the biggest festival in the state of West Bengal. However, this year is different due to the somber mood in the city after the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor. The incident has led to fewer orders and scaled-down budgets for artisans like Tapas Pal. Durga Puja, a ten-day worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, is a time of celebration and joy. The festival was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2021.
Leading up to the festival, artisans spend months creating intricate idols of Durga, depicting her victory over evil. The city comes to a standstill as people visit pandals to offer prayers and enjoy the festivities. Last year, the festival economy was estimated to be around 840 billion rupees. However, this year, the mood is subdued as people are still reeling from the recent tragedy.
The incident has had a significant impact on the festival economy, with artisans reporting a decline in orders and business. Organizers have scaled back on orders, and sponsors are hesitant to invest due to the current situation. The state grants offered to clubs for organizing the festival have also been declined by some in light of recent events.
The protests and emotional solidarity with the victim’s family have affected the entire city, with many shops and businesses feeling the economic impact. The future of the festival remains uncertain as citizens grapple with the aftermath of the tragic incident.