In a groundbreaking move, acid attack survivors have stepped into the limelight at this year’s Durga Puja hosted by Dakshindari Youths in Kolkata. Under the poignant theme ‘Dahan’ (meaning ‘burning’), approximately five brave survivors, alongside talented female theatre artists, are sharing their deeply personal journeys with thousands of devotees visiting the pandal.
Daily, until the auspicious occasion of Dashami, a dedicated ensemble of female actors presents a powerful live theatrical performance throughout the Puja pandal. These intermittent acts vividly portray the harsh reality of violence against women. At key moments, the acid attack survivors themselves – four of whom are from West Bengal – courageously step forward to recount their experiences and make a resounding statement against this heinous crime.
Partha Verma, joint secretary of Dakshindari Youths, explained the powerful initiative: “After Durga Puja received its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status a few years ago, it transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. With millions expected to visit our pandal each day, we recognized this immense reach as a unique opportunity to shed light on violence against women, particularly acid attacks.”
This initiative carries particular weight as West Bengal shockingly recorded the highest number of acid attacks in the country in 2022, with 48 cases affecting 52 victims, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
“Acid attacks remain a horrific crime in our society,” Mr. Verma emphasized. “For our silver jubilee, we aspired to create something far beyond a visually stunning Puja pandal. Our true success will be measured by our ability to foster empathy and awareness, even in a small segment of visitors, and hopefully inspire a change in mindset among those who might contemplate such violence.”
The creative vision behind this powerful Durga Puja installation belongs to artist Anirban Das.
Upon entering the pandal, visitors are immediately confronted with compelling artistic representations of public protests against acid attacks. The ten-handed idol of Goddess Durga herself features a striking perforation in her stomach area, symbolizing the profound emptiness and scars left in the lives of violence victims. Surrounding the idol, evocative artistic renditions of iconic figures, such as the Mona Lisa, are reimagined to reflect the suffering endured by women in the context of violence.
During the live performances, actors move dynamically across the pandal and even behind the idol, their presence dramatically revealed through the central perforation in the deity’s form.
“Notice the numerous opaque mirrors and dressing tables positioned around the idol,” Mr. Verma pointed out. “These deliberately obscured mirrors symbolize how many acid attack survivors tragically lose their eyesight and can no longer see their reflections. They also represent the immense emotional and physical pain they endure when confronted with their changed appearance.”
However, Shaheen Malik, a vocal acid attack survivor and the force behind the NGO Brave Souls Foundation, offered a critical perspective, suggesting that such initiatives risk being mere “festive gimmicks” if not supported by consistent, year-round awareness programs.
“It’s disheartening that we, acid attack survivors, are only remembered for a festival theme,” Ms. Malik lamented. “For the rest of the year, the same people often show no concern for us or this vital issue. There’s little value in a ten-day festive awareness drive if no genuine support or prevention efforts are sustained throughout the year.”
Ms. Malik further highlighted West Bengal’s alarming trend of rising violence against women, consistently placing the state among those with the highest number of acid attack cases nationwide.
“It’s truly shameful that a state where the Devi is worshipped so devoutly also witnesses such extreme violence against women,” Ms. Malik asserted. “When people treat our experiences as just a festival theme, they risk massaging their own egos, as if they’ve accomplished something truly great. Acid attacks are a grave social issue that demands constant, utmost importance. We deserve to be valued and championed every single day, not just during Durga Puja.”