Tone-deaf or ‘tribute’? Ahmedabad plane crash themed pandal in Bengal sparks online debate

A Durga Puja pandal in West Bengal’s Hooghly district has come under fire after a video of it surfaced online. It was modeled after the tragic Air India plane crash. The footage, shared on the subreddit r/IndianCivicFails, captured a detailed installation featuring a shattered aircraft surrounded by scattered debris and artificial flames.

What is wrong with Bengalis 😭

byu/Old_Scientist007 inIndianCivicFails

Organisers reportedly claimed the design was meant to honour the memory of the crash victims and the bravery of the first responders. However, the installation quickly drew backlash across social media, with many accusing it of being tone-deaf and exploiting a national tragedy for shock value.

Photos and videos of the pandal have since gone viral, fuelling a debate over the boundaries of artistic expression during religious festivities.

Most users commented on the insensitive nature of the pandal design. However, some defended the organisers and claimed it was a well-intentioned attempt at spreading awareness.

The top comment under the post reads, “I’m just trying to imagine the meeting where everyone actually agreed this was a good idea”.

Meanwhile, another user said, “It is for awareness and defaming the airplane for irresponsibility. A kind of protest.”

Other comments said, “Indians lack empathy and this proves it,” and “This is disgraceful.”

Speaking for neither side of the argument, a user said, “I had seen pandal showcasing earthquake, tsunami and train accidents - those are common in my state Bengal as I grew up since my childhood. These are mainly found in sub urban and rural areas and also people enjoy watching those pandals. Most recent was last year on Kolkata Rape Tragedy - they even portrayed a play on stage about the horrific incident. I’m not justifying those pandals but the people are made to watch such themed pandals.”