Durga Puja is a sacred festival celebrated across India, especially in Kolkata, where devotees gather in pandals wearing traditional outfits to honor Goddess Durga. However, a recent incident involving three models has created quite a stir on social media. The uproar began when Hemoshree Bhadra, who claims the title of Miss Kolkata 2016, visited a Durga Puja pandal wearing an outfit deemed inappropriate by many.
Social Media Backlash
Hemoshree Bhadra, along with two friends, shared photos and videos from the pandal on Instagram, which quickly drew attention for the wrong reasons. In the images, Hemoshree wore a red bralette paired with black trousers, while her friends also sported revealing outfits. One wore a fitted dress with a thigh-high slit, while another donned an orange mini-dress with a plunging neckline. Their choice of clothing raised eyebrows among people on social media, who questioned the appropriateness of such outfits at a religious site.
Many users expressed their disapproval in the comments. One person remarked, “Who allowed you inside wearing such ridiculous clothes?” Another wrote, “This is not a place for such fashion; show some respect to the traditions.”
Footwear Sparks More Criticism
The backlash wasn’t just about their clothing but also their choice of footwear. The three models were seen wearing boots and heels while inside the pandal, which many devotees considered disrespectful. Traditionally, people remove their footwear as a sign of respect before entering temples and places of worship. The fact that the models did not follow this norm further fueled the criticism.
Traditional vs. Modern Fashion Debate
The incident has sparked a broader debate about fashion choices at religious events. Some have defended the models, arguing that people have the right to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, while others believe that certain norms should be observed in sacred spaces.
Durga Puja is not only about celebration but also about reverence, and many feel that such bold fashion statements might detract from the sanctity of the occasion. This controversy has highlighted the ongoing clash between modern fashion and traditional values, with some calling for better awareness of cultural sensitivity during such events.
As social media continues to buzz with reactions, it remains to be seen if the models will address the controversy, but the incident has certainly opened up discussions about the balance between personal freedom and respecting religious customs.
