Sonagachi's Heartbreaking Decision: No Sacred Soil for Durga Puja This Year. Here's Why

Kolkata: Amid the growing outrage over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, reports have emerged that the sex workers of Sonagachi, Kolkata’s largest red-light district, have decided not to provide soil for this year's Durga idol making. However, their decision is unrelated to the Abhaya case. Despite widespread misinformation circulating on social media, the sex workers have unequivocally denied any connection between their choice and the tragic incident.

For the unversed, the soil from Sonagachi has traditionally been considered sacred for the creation of Durga idols. According to Hindu rituals, the creation of Durga Puja idols requires four essential elements: mud from the Ganges River, cow dung, cow urine, and soil from 'nishiddho pallis', (forbidden territories). This particular soil, known as punya maati, is sourced from the homes of sex workers.

While the origins of this custom are unclear, it is believed that priests were traditionally required to visit brothels and respectfully request the punya maati from the prostitutes, reciting a specific mantra during the exchange.

Has Sonagachi Refused to Provide Soil for Durga Idols? 

As the controversy over the RG Kar case continues, rumors have been spreading on social media that the sex workers of Sonagachi are refusing to provide soil for Durga idol making in protest of the incident. However, the sex workers have made it clear that their decision to withhold the soil has nothing to do with the RG Kar case.

Although it isn't directly linked to the RG Kar incident, the decision by Sonagachi's sex workers to withhold the soil still makes a strong statement against the ongoing violence and injustice women face.

"This is not a recent issue. For many years, the soil has not been provided. We still do not have acceptance of sex work as a profession in society. We have long been seeking recognition for sex work," a female sex worker from Sonagachi told the media.

It highlights the urgent need for society to recognize and address the challenges faced by marginalized communities. In response, some Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have even decided to reject the state government’s annual donation, which was increased to ₹85,000 this year from last year’s ₹70,000, as a show of support for the protest.

Durga Puja Committees Reject Bengal Govt’s Honorarium

Several Durga Puja committees in West Bengal have rejected the Rs 85,000 honorarium offered by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee saying they cannot accept help from the government when women have taken to the streets demanding security.

Speaking to reporters, Rina Das, president of Bhadrakali Bouthan Sangha in Hooghly, explained, “We have decided to boycott this grant this year to honour the sentiments of our members who are deeply upset over the brutal attack on the postgraduate trainee doctor at her workplace. We had received this grant for several years in the past.” Prasenjit Bhattacharya from Uttarpara Shakti Sangha echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This is a symbolic protest. We will not accept the money until those involved in this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice.” 

Other committees, including Lalgola Krishnapur Sanyasitala in Murshidabad and Bethuadahari Town Club in Nadia, have also notified local authorities of their decision to decline the grant.