Subdued Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations in Kolkata in Wake of Tragic Incident

In light of the rape-murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar hospital, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Kolkata were markedly subdued. Community puja committees opted for minimalistic decorations, canceling traditional festivities. Calls for justice dominated the partaking, with messages against violence prominently displayed.

Amid the sombre atmosphere following the rape-murder of a woman doctor at R G Kar hospital, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations across Kolkata were marked by a subdued tone, with community puja committees opting for minimalistic decorations and avoiding traditional festivities such as musical soirées and loud processions.

In response to the tragic incident, many committees significantly scaled back their celebrations. The BB Block Puja Committee in Salt Lake canceled its annual musical events and chose minimal lighting, using newspaper cutouts with the message ''Dharsan Rukhe Din'' (resist rapes). Anindya Chatterjee, a committee spokesperson, said, ''Ours is an apolitical battle. But like many others, we are demanding justice for her.'' Similarly, the Sarbojonin Ganesh Puja Committee in Bagbazar set up a modest pandal with lit candles and a sign reading ''Bichar Chai'' (want justice). The Lake Gardens Ganesh Puja Committee, known for elaborate decorations, opted for a simpler setup with a large Ganapati idol and reduced its budget by 80 per cent, foregoing the usual procession.

The Jodhpur Gardens Ganesh Puja Committee also scaled back, forgoing drum beats and extravagant displays. Subrata Das, a committee representative, said, ''We had already stipulated the height of the idol in July, but given the current situation, we decided to proceed with a more subdued celebration.'' In Baguiati Housing Puja, the theme focused on the philosophical teachings of the Adiyogi monk, emphasizing peace and non-violence.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari extended their Ganesh Chaturthi greetings through social media, with Banerjee offering her ''heartfelt wishes'' and Adhikari wishing for ''happiness and joy'' from Lord Ganesha.

(With inputs from agencies.)