Protests erupt across Bengal on Mahalaya over doctor's tragic death, amid Durga Puja preparations

Night-long demonstrations were held across West Bengal on the occasion of Mahalaya, a day that traditionally marks the beginning of the festive season with Durga Puja just days away. This year, however, the festive spirit was shadowed by grief and outrage as protests erupted in response to the brutal rape and murder of a doctor from RG Kar hospital.

In Kolkata, demonstrators floated lamps in the rivers and prayed for the victim, symbolically referred to as Abhaya. In Coochbehar, a protest march titled 'Abhaya'r Tarpan' was held in the early hours. The term 'tarpan' refers to the Hindu ritual of offering water to one's ancestors, commonly performed on Mahalaya.

The protests, which were largely led by women, took place at key locations across Kolkata, including Ruby Crossing, outside the Academy of Fine Arts, Jadavpur 8B Stand, Shyambazar, Thakurpukur, VIP Road, and Dumdum Park. Other districts, including Coochbehar, Malda, Canning, Diamond Harbour, and Uttarpara in Hooghly, also saw significant gatherings.

"Our peaceful protests demanding justice for Abhaya will continue through Devi Paksha," said writer-activist Satabdi Das, participating in a demonstration near the Academy of Fine Arts. "Goddess Durga vanquished the demon on Dashami, and we pray for the same justice for the tormentors of women."

A minor clash broke out at Haridevpur in South Kolkata when a group of protestors encountered opposition from another faction, allegedly TMC supporters, over slogans and road obstructions. The protestors later filed a police complaint, accusing their opposition of assault. Ratna Sur, a local councillor, alleged that the demonstrators vandalized a Durga Puja hoarding and heckled her when she tried to defuse the situation.

Despite the ongoing unrest, Mahalaya rituals proceeded across the state. Families gathered at riverbanks, particularly along the Hooghly, to offer 'tarpan' in homage to their ancestors. Security forces were deployed at various ghats to ensure public safety, with vehicular restrictions implemented in several areas.

Mahalaya is traditionally marked by the early morning broadcast of Mahishasur Mardini, a collection of hymns and songs dedicated to Goddess Durga. This tradition, aired by All India Radio since the 1930s, continued this year, resonating through homes and streets as the state began its preparations for Durga Puja.

This year's Durga Puja will officially begin on October 9, with Sashti. However, unlike in previous years, many of Kolkata's community puja pandals have yet to open to the public, with organizers moving cautiously in the wake of the protests and the somber atmosphere following the doctor's tragic death. While Mahalaya often signifies hope and the arrival of the festive season, this year it served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and safety for women across the state.