Sculptors visit Kolkata’s red-light area every year to ask sex workers for soil from their doorsteps; the powerful symbolism behind Bengal’s ‘punya mati’ tradition

Kumartuli, an iconic neighborhood in Kolkata, showcases the unique tradition of crafting Durga idols from clay. A significant aspect of this practice involves gathering soil from the thresholds of sex workers, which holds sacred meaning in Bengali heritage. This inclusion reflects a profound connection between faith and societal acceptance, stirring dialogue about purity and respect for all communities, particularly those often sidelined during significant cultural events like Durga Puja.