Artisan Tapas Pal, who has been making clay idols in Kolkata for two decades, is facing a significant downturn in business this year due to a somber mood in the city following a brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman. The incident has dampened the enthusiasm for the upcoming Durga Puja festival, which is a major source of income for many artisans and entrepreneurs in the region.
The festival, celebrating the Hindu goddess Durga’s victory over evil, is a key cultural event in Kolkata, with elaborate decorations and structures displayed at pandals across the city. However, this year, orders for idols and decorations have been scaled back or cancelled, leading to financial losses for many involved in the festival preparations.
In addition to artisans, businesses in Kolkata’s shopping districts and the hospitality industry are also feeling the impact of reduced enthusiasm for the festival. Tourist numbers have dropped significantly, and sales in hotels and restaurants are down compared to previous years.
The festive atmosphere in the city has been overshadowed by the tragic incident, with citizens and shopkeepers expressing solidarity with the victim’s family. Despite efforts to encourage a return to normal festivities, the mood remains subdued, and it is unlikely that the festival will generate the usual enthusiasm this year.
The economic repercussions of the reduced business activity during Durga Puja are expected to be significant, affecting livelihoods and income for many in the region. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the crime, the impact on the cultural and economic fabric of Kolkata is becoming increasingly apparent.
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