Durga puja pandal in Kolkata pays tribute to migrant workers

Organisers of the AK Block Durga puja committee in Kolkata have decided to pay tribute to migrant workers who have been struggling to survive the pandemic. Artisans are busy giving finishing touches to murals, life-sized sculptures, and images depicting migrant workers.  

With migrant workers facing immense hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organisers of the AK Block Durga puja committee in Kolkata have decided to pay tribute to the migrant workers who have been struggling to survive the pandemic.

While the organizers have scaled down celebrations due to pandemic this year, they say, it is their duty to send across a social message.

Also read: Kolkata's Santosh Mitra Square puja committee to restrict visitors during Durga puja

Samrat Bhattacharya, the artist who is creating the pandal said, “The migrant workers have all come back leaving behind their jobs in other cities. They are struggling to make a livelihood. It is our duty to help them now. We want people to realize how crucial their work is for the smooth running of our lives.”

The organizer of the puja said, “Many of the artisans who are helping erect the pandal are migrant workers too. They returned home during the lockdown and are in dire straits. So, we thought we cannot halt the puja, we have to organize it even if on a small scale so that these people can earn a living.”

Artisans are busy giving finishing touches to murals, life-sized sculptures and images depicting migrant workers. Special installations have been erected highlighting the hands of labourers, one which builds India every day.