The city of Kolkata sees many a first during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja- be it the world’s biggest Durga or the biggest alpona and so on. Now the world’s first street graffiti was unveiled at Ahiritola Jubakbrinda in the august presence of women from Durbar Mohila Samanwaya Committee.

The graffiti that was unveiled to dedicate for the work rights of sex workers. The three hundred feet long graffiti was drawn by the women belonging to this community and which narrated the untold stories of these women about which the world was ignorant. The use of lively colors along with gloomy colours showcased the happiness and sadness that was part of the lives of such women.

The women from the community painted the graffiti at the event and also matched steps to the tune of the dhaks played by the dhakis.

Uttam Saha who is the working President of the Puja Committee mentioned that these sex workers are not looked at with respect by the ordinary people. One fails to understand that they are human beings too and they are also somebody’s mother or sister or daughter. With the help of this street graffiti, the puja committee wants to highlight the life of the sex workers and also create awareness among the people.

The pandal showcases the red light area and the Mother Goddess being worshipped in the courtyard of a house. The pandals has a realistic feel with all the shops and other props that are usually attached with these places.

With such events taking place, the arrival of the Mother Goddess is just a few days away!!

Priyanka Dutta