Voices from the Women of HolyWaste - Durga Pooja 2024

Durga Pujo 2024 -

Celebration or a Call for Respect?

Every year, the Bengali community and the whole of India witness one of the most vibrant festivals, Durga Pujo - the symbolism of triumph over evil, a representation of feminine power. But have we as a society learned from the real meaning behind the festival, or is it just another reason to buy new clothes and rejoice? In light of recent events, RG Kar in particular, the mirror stares back at us now. The deep-rooted misogyny still exists and women fall prey to it every single day.

The shocking RG Kar events that unfold every single second make us shiver with fear and insecurity as we step into Durga Pujo (ironic, isn’t it?). Issues like these undermine every value the glorious festival represents. 

So when society still screams for women empowerment, understand that it is still a grim issue in 2024.

An Age-old Struggle

Since time unknown, women have been allotted to vocations that the male-dominated society finds “appropriate”. It was a rule for women to not break free from their traditional roles and be a vehicle for men to achieve their desires. But there are times when women refuse to tolerate the sexist mindsets and reclaim their human rights. 

In the early 20th century, Meera, a prostitute from a small town, was one such powerful woman. Her unwavering love for art found its way through Goddess Durga. She broke free from the shackles of social stigma and channeled her artistry through carving stunning Maa Durga clay idols. Although seen as a powerful story of women's resilience and artistic expression, she faced backlash for being a sex worker and was ostracised. Many even turned a blind eye to her art! However, there always exists a section of society that is unperturbed by such discrimination and opposes it.

It is important to understand Meera’s story, and how the misogynistic society gets defensive when women (and supporters of the cause) reclaim their rights. The RG Kar incident is no less. When women raise their voices against any kind of unjust, they are stripped of their dignity. 

This blog is not to glorify women as goddesses. It is about treating them as human beings with respect like any other individual in society.

Thus, let us celebrate Durga Pujo by promising to keep our voices strong and resilient, in full force, until we can reshape society fit for all.