Tapas Pal, a 42-year-old idol maker in Kolkata, India, has been creating clay idols of gods and goddesses for two decades. Normally, he would be busy with orders leading up to Durga Puja, the state’s biggest festival. However, this year is different due to fewer orders and scaled-down budgets after the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor in August. The incident has dampened the festive spirit in the city.
Durga Puja is a 10-day celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga, symbolizing victory over evil. In Kolkata, artisans spend months creating intricate idols of Durga, showcasing her power and beauty. The festival, scheduled to start on October 9, brings the city to a standstill as people visit pandals to pray and enjoy festivities.
The recent crime has led to protests and a sombre mood, impacting hundreds of artisans and entrepreneurs who rely on the festival for their livelihood. Orders for idols and decorations have been scaled back, affecting artisans like Tapas Pal and Subhendu Porel, whose business has been severely impacted.
In addition, the decline in state grants and sponsorship due to the protests has further hampered the preparations for the festival. Organisers fear a boycott by sponsors, which could have a devastating effect on the festival economy and livelihoods of those involved.
The protests have also affected shopping zones and tourism in the city. Stores are empty, and tourist inflow has decreased significantly. The hospitality industry is also feeling the impact, with a sharp drop in sales. The overall economic impact of the protests on Durga Puja festivities is expected to be significant this year, as the city struggles to recover from the tragic incident.
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