Durga Puja in Bengal (Image: Bengal Tourism)
In a powerful act of protest against the unresolved rape and murder case of a 31-year-old doctor from Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, sex workers from the city’s iconic red-light district, Sonagachhi, have refused to provide soil from their homes for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. The symbolic gesture is seen as part of a broader outcry for justice, resonating across West Bengal.
On August 9, the body of the trainee doctor was discovered in the seminar hall of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, sparking widespread outrage. Allegedly raped and murdered, her tragic death has since ignited protests from both the medical fraternity and civil society at large, demanding swift justice for the victim.
The refusal by the sex workers to donate soil—traditionally collected from the doorsteps of Sonagachhi for sculpting Durga idols—marks a significant break from a long-standing ritual. For centuries, this practice has symbolised the all-embracing nature of Durga Puja, celebrating inclusivity and acknowledging the contribution of marginalised communities, including sex workers.
However, this year, the unresolved RG Kar case has cast a shadow over the celebrations. One of the sex workers, quoted by Dainik Bhaskar, expressed her anguish, saying, “The woman doctor from RG Kar hospital did not get justice. Doctors are like gods. When people can’t respect them, why should we give the soil?” Her statement reflects the deep-rooted frustration felt by many in the community, as they stand in solidarity with the protests demanding accountability for the young doctor’s death.
The discontent isn’t limited to Sonagachhi alone. Many Durga Puja organisers and local clubs, who traditionally rely on government funding and sponsorships, have joined the protest, refusing to accept celebration money from the state. “If the doctor does not get justice until next year, we will not give soil for the Durga Puja next year as well,” the sex worker added, signalling the long-term impact this protest could have on West Bengal’s largest festival.
Durga Puja, which generates an estimated Rs 50,000 crore for West Bengal’s economy, is now facing unprecedented challenges due to the growing unrest over the RG Kar case. Organisers are reportedly struggling to secure sponsorships, as public displeasure with the Mamata Banerjee government continues to escalate.
The decision by the Sonagachhi community to withhold the sacred soil highlights the larger issue of women’s safety in the state. Another sex worker, voicing her concern, remarked, “Women are not safe in Bengal. After all, we are sex workers; how can we feel safe? This is our way of protesting against the Mamata Banerjee government.”
As the Durga Puja season approaches, the refusal to participate in this revered tradition has sent ripples through West Bengal, bringing attention to the need for justice, accountability, and the protection of women’s rights in the state.
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