Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:33pm on 01 Oct 2025,Wednesday International
Kolkata’s Dakshindari Youths have chosen acid attack survivors as their Durga Puja theme this year. Titled ‘Dahan’ (burning), the pandal features live performances by women actors and survivors who share their stories with visitors. The idol of Goddess Durga has a symbolic hollow in the stomach to depict the emptiness caused by violence. Mirrors placed around the pandal are opaque, showing the struggles survivors face with their identity. West Bengal reported the highest number of acid attack cases in India, according to NCRB data. Organisers hope the theme raises awareness about violence against women beyond the festive season. (PC: The Hindu)
