Kolkata:
For women in Kolkata this festive season is not just about traditions but also about ushering in new trends. Four women in the city have decided to perform pujas as priests, something that has until now been a male bastion.
In our biggest celebration of the Mother Goddess, women have never been allowed as priests, a tradition these four Kolkata housewives have set out to change. They have trained to become priests.
"We have been watching for years. Only men are appointed purohits in the puja. We thought maybe we should learn the rituals as well," says Sampa Rai, a housewife.
Their teacher and priest Somnath Chatopaddhyaya says, "The religious texts do not say anywhere that women cannot conduct pujas. I am training them so that they can get a chance some day."
But excelling in the classroom is one thing... the larger test will unfold now as they work towards acceptance in the community.