Silchar ’s Day Light Club: A weighty message of ‘JUSTICE’
In Silchar ’s Rangirkhari, the Day Light Club’s 65th Durga Puja pandal takes a bold stand on women empowerment and security. Through striking artworks and a poignant theme of “justice,” the club highlights societal issues, calling for respect and safety for women in the wake of recent tragedies.
In a break from the usual glitter and grandeur that define Durga Puja celebrations, a pandal in Silchar ’s Rangirkhari has stolen the show with a theme that strikes closer to the heart than most. The Day Light Club, now in its 65th year of Durga Puja revelry, has turned tradition on its head by focusing on women empowerment and safety—subjects not often found in the revelrous mood of the season.
The theme, which centres around the weighty message of “justice,” is as subtle as a sledgehammer. It draws attention to a tragedy that shook the conscience of many: the alleged rape and murder of a trainee lady doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital earlier this year. Against the backdrop of this heart-wrenching event, the club’s message couldn’t be clearer—society must rise up and stand firm for women’s security.
Raju Dey, president of the Puja committee and the guiding force behind Silchar ‘s Day Light Club, explained the vision with a straightforwardness that’s refreshing in these parts. “This year, we aimed to showcase the pressing issue of women empowerment. Our intention is to send a message to men in society to respect and protect women rather than engaging in eve teasing and acts of violence,” Dey said. And it’s not just empty words either—the entire setup is an artistic, if not slightly haunting, portrayal of the grim reality many women face.
The artwork adorning the pandal is a far cry from the usual celestial motifs and mythical grandeur. Instead, it is dotted with stark, confronting messages like “aami naari (I am a woman), aami bon (a sister), aami nirjatita (a victim).” The statements lay bare the role men must play in this societal transformation, with one pointedly stating, “tumi purush (you are a man), pita (father), bhai (brother), abar dharshak (a rapist).” If that doesn’t stop one in their tracks, then perhaps nothing will.
The decor itself is as symbolic as it is creative—dead branches and nets entwine the space, echoing the entrapping nature of patriarchy. It’s a raw, unflinching representation of the theme, with the idols of Goddess Durga and her divine offspring standing proudly as the ultimate symbols of resilience and strength. Even the goddess herself, with her usual fierce poise, takes on a deeper resonance in this setup—a visual reminder that the fight for justice is far from over.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Puja without the crowds, and they’ve come in droves. Revellers aren’t just here for the artistic brilliance (though there’s plenty of that); they’re drawn by the poignancy of the message. One attendee, visibly moved, summed it up perfectly: “The artworks are serious manifestations of the challenges we face today. Even the idol of Goddess Durga echoes the resilience and strength of women. Kudos to the organisers for conveying such a strong message through their pandal setup and puja celebrations.”
But Silchar ‘s Day Light Club isn’t stopping at just sending a message. In a gesture of community spirit that harks back to the very roots of the festival, they’ve extended their hands to local old-age homes. Sharing the festive joy and helping those who might need an extra bit of care is all part of their broader mission this year—taking action, not just preaching it.
Having been established in 1960, the Day Light Club is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Each year, their pandal celebrates a new societal issue, turning their corner of Silchar into a space for reflection amidst the festivity. This year, the question is clear: will we, as a society, heed the call for justice, or will it be drowned out by the din of celebration?
It’s a tough act to follow, really, and one can only hope that other organisers are paying attention. After all, it’s high time we swapped the glitz for a bit of grit. Perhaps next year, we’ll see more pandals celebrating not just the goddess’s triumph over demons, but real triumphs for women in society.
Information sources : Assam Tribune
Picture Sources : Assam Tribune
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