In West Bengal, a state famous for Durga Puja festivals, the colors of the festival seem to be dull this year. Economists and industry experts are predicting that sales have decreased during the Durga Puja festival this year. Compared to last year, this year’s festival economy is expected to decline by 20 to 30 percent. He expressed apprehension that the shadow of the incident like rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital is looming over the festival. There is a wave of mourning in the entire state due to the incident in the hospital.
Durga Puja festival in West Bengal is the backbone of the state’s economy. It contributes at least one-third to the state’s GDP. It affects various sectors including retail, hospitality and handicrafts. Economists and industry experts are pointing towards recent issues which are weakening the public sentiment towards Durga Puja festival this year.
The main reason for the disgusting incident in Kolkata
The RG Kar incident has given rise to widespread protest and outrage. Since last one month, the movement has spread rapidly not only in Kolkata but throughout the state. People do not seem to be that eager about the festival. Sales have declined and instead of celebrating the festival, people are taking to the streets to protest against the disgusting incident in Kolkata.
Economist Suman K Mukherjee said, “There has been no improvement in the puja economy this year and its impact is obvious. People are depressed due to governance issues and widespread corruption in all sectors. Income, increments are relatively low due to lack of industrialization in the state.” Corporate sponsorship spend has come down by 30 percent this year, said Kajal Sarkar, president of Forum for Durgotsav, an association of Durga Puja organisers.
It is noteworthy that more than 40,000 pujas take place in West Bengal and this reduction in expenditure is especially affecting the smaller Durga Puja organisers. The hawker community, important for the Durga Puja economy, has also been adversely affected.
On the contrary, the e-commerce sector has benefited from this situation. Flipkart reported positive response from districts outside Kolkata during its annual shopping festival. A senior official of the Finance Department admitted sluggish economic activities this Durga Puja. He cited declining consumer sentiment and spending power among the middle and lower middle classes.
