Kolkata, India – Tapas Pal, an artisan from Kumartuli in Kolkata, India, has been making clay idols of gods and goddesses for the past 20 years. However, this year, amid the preparations for Durga Puja, the biggest festival in the state of West Bengal, Pal is facing a significant decline in business due to the somber mood in the city following the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor at RG Kar Hospital.
The incident has cast a shadow over the usually festive atmosphere leading up to Durga Puja, a 10-day celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga’s victory over evil. The city, known for its elaborate pandals and intricately crafted idols, is experiencing a downturn in orders and scaled-down budgets, affecting hundreds of artisans and entrepreneurs who rely on the festival for their livelihood.
The impact of the protests and public outrage surrounding the crime has also extended to the shopping zones in the city, with stores reporting a lack of customers as people are in no mood to celebrate. The tourism industry, another major beneficiary during Durga Puja, has seen a drastic drop in inbound tourists, further adding to the economic strain.
While the state government has increased grants for festival organizers, many clubs have declined the funds, limiting their spending capacities. The situation has left artisans like Pal and others in Kumartuli struggling to make ends meet amidst the subdued preparations for the festival.
Despite attempts by officials to encourage people to return to the festivities, the sentiment on the ground remains somber, with little enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the tragic incident, the impact on the local economy and the cultural fabric of Kolkata is evident, with hopes for a vibrant Durga Puja season fading away.
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