The rape and murder of the trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, shook the entire country to its core, sparking widespread protests. The Central Bureau Investigation is investigating the harrowing case, while the people await justice for the 31-year-old doctor. Doctors across India expressed their outrage over the case by calling strikes and taking to the streets. Now, sex workers in Bengal have unanimously refused to give brothel soil for the Durga idols due to the Kolkata doctor's rape-murder.
Vishakha Lashkar, Secretary of Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, Sonagachi said the brothel soil will not be given for making of the idols due to the increase in the sexual assault cases against women, the latest being the RG Kar MCH rape-murder.
"We have denied giving brothel soil (for making of Goddess Durga idol)...When women are assaulted 365 days, why should Goddess Durga be worshipped for four days, who is also a woman...Therefore we have denied, we will give brothel soil only when justice prevails in the (RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case)..."she said.
Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee comprises of 60,000 sex workers and is based in Sonagachi, which is known as Bengal's largest red-light district since 1992. Durbar has also been actively involved in working for women's rights, prevention of HIV/AIDS, and fighting for the rights of sex workers.
Why Is Brothel Soil Required In Making Durga Idols?
As per Hindu tradition, four things are considered to be very important when the idol of Goddess Durga is prepared. These include mud from the banks of the Ganga, cow urine, cow dung, and soil from outside brothels, without which the idol is considered incomplete.
It is believed that this soil must be begged and received from a sex worker's hand as a gift. Earlier, this soil, known as 'punya mati' was collected by a priet. But now the sculptor gets it himself, weeks ahead of the festivities.
The soil from the brothels is considered to be sacred as it is believed that when a man enters a brothel he leaves his purity at its doorstep, thereby making the mud soil at brothels pure. It is said that this mud is full of purity and is auspicious for making the idols.