Kolkata Model’s Outfit at Durga Puja Pandal Sparks Backlash: Social Media Calls It ‘Vulgar’

October 12, 2024: Hemoshree Bhadra, a model who claims to have won the Miss Kolkata 2016 title, found herself at the centre of a controversy during this year’s Durga Puja festivities. Bhadra wore a cleavage-revealing crop top to a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, a choice that sparked widespread outrage on social media.

Accompanied by two friends—one wearing a long black gown with a thigh-high slit and the other in an orange minidress with knee-high boots—Bhadra shared a picture of the trio at the pandal. The post quickly drew heavy criticism from netizens who deemed the outfits inappropriate for a religious and sacred space.

The image was originally posted by model-influencer Sannati Mitra, who captioned it, “It was so rebellious, we never thought it was possible. Being a girl, we always knew our body is ‘BAD,’ but life gives us new experiences.”

However, not everyone shared her sentiment. Many users criticized the group for their choice of attire, calling it disrespectful to the religious occasion. One user commented, “I feel ashamed for her dressing in a holy place.” Another added, “Stop this type of vulgarity on puja mandap. This is shameful.”

Criticism continued with one commenter stating, “This is not women empowerment. This is making fun of our Sanatan dharm,” while others expressed anger at the group for wearing shoes inside the pandal, considered a mark of disrespect. Comments such as, “Sharam karlo thodi, bhagwan ke samne to acche kapde pehen lo” (Have some shame, at least wear appropriate clothes in front of God), reflected the growing discontent.

Despite the backlash, the post remains online, generating ongoing discussions around modern fashion choices and religious settings.