With a gathering in its ground-floor lobby on Panchami morning, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, ushered in the spirit of Durga Puja, providing a little bit of Bengal’s fall excitement to patients, caregivers, and staff spending these festive days within the hospital. Stotrapath, or the recitation of hymns honoring Goddess Durga, was a component of the event.

The décor, which combined elaborate white sholapith (the soft white pith of the shola plant) work with glittering silver-toned ornaments, was inspired by Bengal’s traditional daakersaaj. The Goddess’s clay face was framed by fabric drapes and gold-toned gota borders, which are ornamental metallic ribbon trims. The scene was finished with fresh flowers.

The installation avoided single-use plastics and Styrofoam in favor of using natural sholapith, flowers, and local clay.

By lighting the ceremonial lamp alongside consultants, Team HCG, led by Dr. Rupali Basu, RBH (East & AP), HCG Cancer Hospitals, Mr. Gurvinder Singh, COO, HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, and senior consultants, kicked off the festivities. As patients, their families, and hospital staff gathered with folded hands, medical oncologists recited the Durga Stotra, calling forth the blessings of the Goddess.

“Festival is a time for community, and our patients should never feel excluded. This event is our little homage to their tenacity, and it continues to be our sincere hope that the Goddess takes care of everyone and keeps everyone well,” said Dr. Basu.

Priyanka Dutta