The Durga Puja fever swept across West Bengal and parts of the country this week. A major highlight of the festival is pandal hopping, where people explore the creatively themed setups. While the artistry
usually leaves visitors mesmerised, this year a particular pandal stood out for its awareness campaign. It aimed to educate children about the dangers of mobile addiction, but with a scary twist that grabbed attention.
In the clip, some children were seen crying while others appeared frightened. The reason? A ghost statue in the pandal that “caught” kids using mobile phones. As soon as they spotted the statue, the children quickly avoided going near it.
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Some Parents Joked That Even This Couldn’t Scare Their Kids
Although some children were frightened, many in the comments section said this wouldn’t affect their kids at all. A user said, “Mera beta toh isse bhi na dara,” while another wrote, “My kid would have laughed at me.”
Some people also thought this was a good way to spread awareness. “Modern problem needs modern solution,” said one user.
Internet Slams Durga Puja Pandal Theme As ‘Terrorising’
However, many others were strongly against the concept, arguing that it scares children without any positive impact. One person wrote, “This is just traumatising little ones without providing proper knowledge, nothing but misleading.”
Another added, “Don’t do this. It will affect children’s sleep; they won’t be able to rest peacefully at night because of this terror.”
Many pointed out that this was quite misleading for innocent minds. “Disgusting, how dare you scare innocent minds,” wrote one user, while another said, “Not awareness but terror ..terror against technology..and certainly not right.”
Durga Puja in Bengal is more than just a festival; it is a living tapestry of devotion, art, and music. Travelling through the state during this time means immersing yourself in its traditions, savouring its cuisine, and experiencing a joyous celebration that unites millions. The pandals are designed not only to showcase grandeur but also to highlight social themes that resonate with contemporary issues.