Durga Puja: Why did sex workers of West Bengal's Sonagachi refuse to give holy soil... what is the reason behind this

Durga Puja stands as the most significant and widely celebrated festival in West Bengal, where the goddess Shakti is revered. This grand celebration unites people from various communities in honoring Maa Durga with devotion. 

The festival's traditions are deeply rooted, particularly the custom of using holy soil to create the idol of the goddess. This soil is often collected from a specific location, notably Sonagachi, known as Asia's largest red-light district. It is believed that the soil from the riverbanks, mixed with soil from the doorsteps of sex workers, holds special significance in the Durga Puja rituals.

However, following a tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, there is visible anger among the sex workers of Sonagachi. As a result, they have decided not to contribute the holy soil for this year's Durga Puja festival. This practice of providing soil from Sonagachi has been largely discontinued since 2019.

The tradition of collecting soil from the homes of sex workers is rooted in the belief that it carries blessings and purity. This ritual typically begins a month before the festival, with the understanding that the absence of this soil would displease Maa Durga. 

Historically, the use of soil from Sonagachi has been integral to the Durga Puja celebration; however, the last five years have seen a significant decline in this practice.

The secretary of the Darbar Mahila Samanvay Samiti explains that this ritual has been part of the preparations for centuries, where soil from the door of a sex worker is mixed with the soil used to create the idol of Maa Durga. This practice is based on the belief that the soil absorbs the qualities of those who visit the sex workers, making it sacred.

Sex workers have united against violence and atrocities

In recent years, sex workers in Sonagachi have united against violence and atrocities faced by their community, refusing to provide soil for the rituals until justice is served. They argue that while the goddess is worshipped to honor women, the systemic violence and discrimination they face throughout the year cannot be addressed by a single day of celebration. They express a desire for respect and acknowledgment beyond the confines of the festival.

The ongoing struggle for basic rights and security for sex workers continues, despite their significant role in the cultural fabric of the Durga Puja festival. Many women in this community face challenges in providing education for their children, often encountering discrimination based on their background.

The use of soil from the red-light district for sacred rituals serves as a paradoxical acknowledgment of the contributions of these women, who are often marginalized in society. This tradition reflects a complex interplay of respect and societal stigma, highlighting the need for deeper recognition of the rights and dignity of sex workers beyond the festival season.