Kolkata’s Durga Puja Pandal Celebrates Nari Shakti In Its True Sense

A Durga Puja pandal at Kolkata's Pathurighata Pancher Palli has adopted a unique theme of Ritumati (Menstrual Hygiene) to raise awareness about women's health.

The pandal is decorated with art pieces showcasing stains across the hall, posters highlighting everything related to menstrual health.

Talking to NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth India team, Ellora Saha, Puja organiser, believes that the Nari (woman) in our daily lives need to be respected in order to fulfil the purpose of Durga Puja and hence came up with a unique theme. The aim was to challenge the societal norms and taboos surrounding menstruation.

Talking about the decor and art pieces, Manash Roy, the artist behind the project, said that menstrual health and hygiene is depicted in every possible way through various art forms.

The organisers are glad with the response they have received from the public. Swarms of people were witnessed near the pandal, intrigued by the concept.

The organising authorities said that the construction of the pandal, installation of paintings, models, and graphics, took three months and an investment of approximately Rs 18 lakh.