Siliguri Durga Puja pandal highlights impact of parental separation

The Rabindra Sangha organization in Siliguri, West Bengal, has unveiled its Durga Puja pandal theme, titled ‘Aami’ (Me or I). The installation is designed to depict the psychological trauma and mental state of a child facing parental divorce.

According to spokesperson Udayan Dasgupta, the display includes an external visual of a child with a burning sphere representing the world, symbolizing the loss of trust when parents separate. Inside, the pandal traces a child's journey from birth through increasing familial conflict. One central feature is a courtroom scene where Goddess Durga sits in judgment while a child in a witness box questions his mother about his future.

The organizers stated the theme was inspired by rising divorce rates. Through this depiction, they aim to encourage couples to prioritize their children's well-being and consider compromising personal egos to maintain the family unit.