'Delta Demon God' to be highlight of this year's Durga Puja in Bengal

In order to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga to fight the deadly COVID-19 and to sensitise people on the increased usage of masks and hand sanitisers, the organisers of Durga Puja, the largest festival in West Bengal, have decided to hold the celebrations on a unique theme.

Kolkata:The Delta variant of COVID-19 is wreaking havoc worldwide. In order to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga to fight the deadly virus and to sensitise people on the increased usage of masks and hand sanitisers, the organisers of Durga Puja, the largest festival in West Bengal, have decided to hold the celebrations on this theme.

At least three community pujas -- Rabindra Memorial Sporting Club, Chingripota Community Puja and Shibtala Sadharon Sangha -- will feature Mahisasura (the demon god), portrayed as Deltasur (the Delta demon). A popular belief is that Goddess Durga descends on the Earth to destroy the evil forces. The brain behind this 'Delta Demon God' concept believes that Goddess Durga, this time, will appear to destroy COVID-19, especially the Delta variant. Besides, the theme also lays focus on encouraging the increased use of masks and hand sanitisers.

According to Indrajit Pal, a potter and the brain behind this concept, the subtle message to give through this theme is that while the Goddess will shower her blessings, she should be duly supported by the people by using masks, sanitisers and maintaining COVID-19 protocols.

"It is the duty of her (Goddess Durga) devotees to discharge their duties by maintaining COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If we fail, the third wave could be disastrous. This is the reason I came up with this concept," he said.

Pal's 'Coronasur' (Corona Demon God) concept for Durga Puja last year had gained him immense popularity.