World's largest 112-feet Durga Puja canceled, Kamalpur villagers shave heads in protest

Residents of Kamalpur village are devastated as the world's largest 112-feet Durga Puja celebration has been abruptly canceled due to administrative hurdles. In an unprecedented show of defiance, villagers have shaved their heads in protest, a symbolic gesture of their anger and disappointment over losing this opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage and seek a Guinness World Record.

The decision to cancel the puja stems from the district administration's refusal to grant the necessary permits. Concerns about managing large crowds at the site led to this decision. Despite the villagers' efforts, which included extensive preparations and financial contributions from nearly everyone in the community, the Calcutta High Court upheld the administration's ruling after an inspection deemed the area unsuitable for hosting such a large-scale event.

This year's Durga Puja held particular significance for the villagers. They had hoped that the towering 112-feet idol would be a monumental representation of their devotion to Goddess Durga, potentially earning them recognition in the Guinness World Records. The idol, constructed through collective community effort, was not just a festive decoration but a symbol of their unity and cultural pride.

On Maha Navami, a day marked by worship and celebration, the villagers participated in the head-shaving protest to express their collective grief and penance. The sight of men and boys from ages 8 to 80 participating in this act of solidarity drew attention from surrounding areas, with many locals expressing their support for Kamalpur's plight. Protest songs and chants echoed through the streets, emphasizing their determination to honor their goddess despite the challenges.

The cancellation of the puja has ignited outrage throughout the district. Many local leaders and organizers have spoken out, calling the administrative decision a shameful moment for a festival that is recognized not just in India but worldwide. The villagers, who had been preparing for months, now feel that their dreams have been dashed by bureaucratic red tape. In light of this setback, the Kamalpur community has vowed to build a Durga temple as a permanent place of worship. They aim for this temple to serve as a gathering point for devotees from all over Bengal, allowing them to pray and honor Goddess Durga.