Siliguri Puja Pandal Highlights Impact of Divorce on Kids

Rabindra Sangha in Siliguri has chosen the theme Aami for its Durga Puja pandal this year to highlight the emotional impact of parental separation on children. The pandal depicts the mental state and journey of a child whose parents are going through a divorce. Udayan Dasgupta, a spokesperson for Rabindra Sangha, explained that the outside of the pandal features a child with a replica of a burning world. This design shows that the child feels his safe world has burned down because his mother and father are separating. Inside the pandal, visitors can see the child growing up, living with his parents, and witnessing their daily conflicts. A special courtroom scene shows Goddess Durga sitting in judgment while the child stands in the witness box to question his future. Through this unique theme, the organizers want to urge couples to set aside their egos and try to stay together for the sake of their children. The organizers chose this theme due to rising divorce rates and the harmful effects of marital discord on young minds. Rabindra Sangha regularly uses its Durga Puja pandals to share important social messages with the public. Past themes created by the club have focused on issues like child labour and the plight of people living in old-age homes.