Kolkata Pandal Swaps Pomp for Protest Amidst Ganesh Chaturthi

In response to protests following the rape and murder of a woman doctor, Kolkata's Ganesh Puja committees are scaling down celebrations. They plan to use their platforms to campaign against sexual violence. Notably, the prominent Shree Shree Ganesh Chaturthi Mahotsab in Salt Lake will forgo elaborate decorations to emphasize its stand against rape.

In the wake of protests fuelled by the brutal rape and murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, several Ganesh Puja committees in Kolkata have decided to downscale their celebrations.

Shree Shree Ganesh Chaturthi Mahotsab in Salt Lake, one of the region's most popular pujas, has canceled its elaborate lighting arrangements. Instead, the theme of this year's pandal will focus on the battle against rape, with messages and cutouts urging the public to resist such crimes.

Puja committee President Anindya Chatterjee said, "Ours is an apolitical battle. Like many others, we are also demanding justice for her."

(With inputs from agencies.)