Whenever we think of Kolkata, we think of culture, history and Durga Puja. Durga is worshipped in the city with great pomp and enthusiasm. She is known as the epitome of women power and strength. Ironically, the same city where women power is worshipped is home to Asia’s largest red light area, Shonagachi. Ever wondered how such a culturally empowered city has grown alongside the brothels? There is an interesting ritual in Durga Puja that includes these women in brothels.
According to Hindu traditions, there are three things which makes the clay ideal for Durga idols. The three elements are cow dung, cow urine, and Punya maati, which must be collected from “nisiddho pallis”– forbidden territories. The Soil from the prostitute’s house is called Punyamaati. Now, many people must wonder about the reason for this strange ritual. There are many theories behind this ritual, but no one has been successful in tracing it to the origin.
Men Leave Their Purity At Brothels
One theory suggests that when a man enters a prostitute’s home to devour a woman with lust, he commits a sin, and his purity and piousness falls on the ground. That is why the soil becomes the home to purity from so many men.
Durga Doesn’t Discriminate
People say Durga Puja is all about inclusion. That is why they call it “sarbojonin”- everyones. Durga doesn’t discriminate between her devotees. Prostitutes should be a part of the festival too. They are also women, like Ma Durga.
Durga Puja Is Celebrating Women
Navakanya is a ritual where nine types of girls are part of the festivities. These girls are Nati (dancer), vaishya (prostitute), rajaki (laundry girl), Brahmani (brahman girl), shudra and a gopalika (milkmaid). Ritual of getting soil from a brothel includes the prostitutes in the festival. The priest must go to the brothel and beg for the soil. He must keep begging unless she gives him the soil. while handing the soil, the priest recites Vedic mantras.
In recent times, the kumars have started going to the brothels themselves to ask for the clay. But the ritual remains the same.
That is why brothels, cultural, festivals have been existing in the city of joy for hundreds of years. Peacefully, together. Because Ma Durga doesn’t discriminate. So, whenever you see someone pointing fingers at the city for being home to brothels, you must tell them, that the city also respects and includes them in festivities, unlike others.
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