Tapas Pal, a clay idol maker in Kolkata, India, has been facing a drastic decline in business ahead of the Durga Puja festival, the biggest celebration in the state of West Bengal. The festival, which celebrates the victory of the Hindu goddess Durga, has been overshadowed by the recent brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor, causing a sombre mood in the city.
Pal, along with other artisans and entrepreneurs, has seen a significant drop in orders and budgets for the festival due to the protests and subdued atmosphere in the city. Sponsors, who play a crucial role in financing the festival, are also hesitant to commit fully amidst the ongoing turmoil.
The impact of the protests is not limited to the festival preparations. Local businesses, including shops and restaurants, are experiencing a sharp decline in sales, with tourists numbers also plummeting. The hospitality industry, which thrives during the festival season, is also facing uncertainty.
While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged people to return to the festivities, the emotional unity with the victim’s family and the prevailing sense of grief and anger suggest a muted celebration this year. Artisans like Tapas Pal feel that the festival may pass silently, lacking the usual enthusiasm and joy that characterizes the annual event.
Despite efforts to revive the festive spirit, the aftermath of the heinous crime has cast a shadow over the traditional celebrations in Kolkata, highlighting the broader societal issues surrounding women’s safety and the economic implications of such tragedies.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
