Devotees throng Durga Puja pandals in Bengal amid ‘boycott celebration’ calls

The people of West Bengal on Thursday defied the calls for Dura Puja’s ‘boycott of celebration’ which was trending on social media as a mark of protest against the RG Kar rape and murder case.
Even as demonstrations, marches and protests demanding justice for the murdered RG Kar hospital doctor continue, members of various organising committees have assured that preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja festival are underway in full swing.
On the eve of Mahalaya, thousands of hoppers stood in queues for long hours at various pandals in the state, including at the popular Shreebhumi sporting club which is known to draw thousands of devotees every year. The club, which is known for its unique Durga Puja themes, created a replica of Tirupati Balaji temple this year.
Mahalaya is a festival that marks the start of the festive season and the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had emphasised the importance of festivals in the state’s cultural fabric, following calls from some protestors to boycott the Durga Puja festival in response to the RG Kar rape-murder case.
Mamata Banerjee stated that West Bengal has a tradition of celebrating various festivals year-round, promoting inclusivity and unity.
Speaking at the inauguration of the puja edition of Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) mouthpiece, ‘Jago Bangla’, Banerjee stated that people should get back to festivities.
Following the TMC chief’s statement, many doctors, students and celebrities had cited that they would not get back to festivities or ‘utsobe firbona’ on social media.
Doctors have been continuously protesting against the rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor that took place at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, seeking justice for the victim.
The doctors have also been demanding that proper arrangements, including restrooms, be made, ensuring the medics’ safety at the workplace, especially during night shifts.