Gold Mask for Durga Idol to spread Pandemic awareness

Masks seem to be ruling the roost these days, across the globe. Everyone is masked, and the masks come up in various shapes and sizes. So, if humans can come in masks, then why not the Gods and Goddesses? But Goddess Durga needs to do everything in style, in extravagance, in an opulent splendour. Keeping that in mind, it’s no wonder that her masks will come in precious metals and stones. One such idol of Kumartuli this year will have a 20-gm gold mask on its face to keep Covid-19 at bay.

Interestingly, not just a gold mask, all medical equipment needed to fight the Pandemic, from a vaccination syringe to sanitization bottles will all be carried by the idol to spread awareness about the Pandemic. The theme of this idol was unveiled recently at a West Baguiati Puja Club. The Puja organisers said: “Preparation of the idol will take time.” A gold mask, thermal gun, syringe, and other medical supplies were among the objects, which substituted the customary Durga Puja paraphernalia scene. “We intend to send a message about the importance of being safe and concentrating on health in the midst of the global pandemic.”

“Please don't consider the gold mask as a high-end accessory,” TMC MLA and Bengali singer Aditi Munshi said after unveiling the idol at the Bandhu Mahal Club. “The thought behind this is that every daughter is a golden girl of Bengal, and every parent wishes to cover their daughter in gold. We have not placed the 20-gram gold mask as metal here. We have placed the mask to raise awareness and to promote the message that during this ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it's critical to follow the doctor’s safety advice,” she said.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic last year, the Calcutta High Court issued an injunction preventing anyone from attending the Puja pandals. However, many this year are looking forward to visiting the idols of Goddess Durga at various Puja pandals and praying that the Pandemic dies down.