Shri Durgadevi depicted as a sex worker in a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata

The intention underlying the display of this image is not to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, but to make them comprehend the denigration – Editor

Kolkata – OpIndia, a news portal, reported that Shri Durgadevi has been depicted as a prostitute in the Durga Puja pandal of Nawpara Dadabhai Sangh Puja Committee. Trinamool Congress leaders Shatrughan Sinha, Saugat Roy and Madan Mitra inaugurated this pandal. The Idols in this pandal are made of silicon (a chemical element). Silicon is used for the first time to make Idols. In Kolkata, the Sribhumi Durga Puja pandal replicates Vatican City, a major Christian religious site.

Editorial viewpoint

Degradation of Hindus, due to lack of education on Dharma. Hindus are expected to oppose it lawfully.

Our concept and design to change society – Concept designer Sandeep Mukherjee

Sandeep Mukherjee, who conceptualised and designed Shri Durgadevi as a prostitute, said that prostitution is a profession. It is not a common profession. Women who are into the trade do not talk about it, as society has a negative view of them. The attitude needs to change. The concept and design are to bring about a change in society. We do not allow prostitutes into the community. Why do we deny such access when they are doing their work ?  So, I have made the Idol of Shri Durgadevi to represent prostitution.

Editorial Viewpoint

  • Shankaracharya, Dharmacharya, Saints, etc. have the authority to guide the Hindu society about Dharma and ask them to act accordingly. It is wrong if someone thinks about something and acts according to it.
  • Today, anyone in society comes up and says something against the Hindu scriptures and tries to act accordingly. The Dharmacharyas should step up and counter them.