RG Kar hospital incident echoes in Bengaluru’s Durga puja pandals

Bengaluru: Durga Puja in the city this year is more than a celebration — it's a call for change. In the backdrop of the outrage over the recent rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar hospital, many pandals are weaving powerful messages of women's empowerment, peace, and justice into their displays, to reflect on the stark contrast between the reverence for Ma Durga and the harsh realities women face in society.
"While Durga Puja symbolises the triumph of good over evil and celebrates the strength of women, incidents like what happened at RG Kar hospital remind us the journey towards true empowerment and equality is far from complete," said Debajit Roy of Oikotan Hebbal Cultural Society.
"This year, Oikotan is honouring the divine power of Ma Durga by pledging to condemn, mourn, and challenge heinous crimes against women. We've created a wall displaying symbolic paintings and images, and we'll hold a candlelight prayer in solidarity with the victims of abuse and violence," Roy added.
At Utsav Durga Puja in Vijaya Bank Layout, the evolving roles of women — from caregivers and nurturers to entrepreneurs and leaders — is the theme. These emblems will be hand-painted on fabric, showcasing women's journey through the ages.
"As we navigate a challenging time in India, where the safety and dignity of women are constantly questioned, Utsav is taking a step forward to celebrate the power of women," said Atalanta Banerjee, a representative of the Utsav puja. "We're also committed to sustainability, so all materials used in our display are recycled and upcycled, serving as a tribute to mother nature and expressing our gratitude for the resources she provides."
The Bengali in Bengaluru association's plans have a distinct flavour of West Bengal's Krishnanagar district, focusing on ‘Bangalir ghorer puja' — a celebration that radiates warmth and community spirit. "In light of the heinous crime at RG Kar, we've chosen peace and unity as our theme," explained Soumyadeep Paul, general secretary of the association. "Our all-white pandal, symbolising peace, will house the Durga idol, offering a serene and reflective space for devotees."
At the Bangalore Durga Puja Committee (BDPC) in Manyata Tech Park, the pandal contrasts two striking images of Durga — one as the ‘demon killer' and a special corner dedicated for Abhaya representing injustice "We're creating a special corner for visitors to express their thoughts through writing and painting, advocating for justice," said Achintya Lal Roy, BDPC convener. "We stand at a crossroads between tradition and reality — between devotion to goddess Durga, a symbol of strength and justice, and the grim reality of ongoing violence and injustice against women. We must be the changemakers."