Schoolteacher Worships Daughter as Goddess Lakshmi to Protest Violence Against Women

On October 7, 2025, a schoolteacher and his wife in West Bengal's Nadia district made a poignant gesture to raise awareness against child abuse and violence against women. Arjun Bagchi and his wife Jhuma Bagchi transformed their traditional Lakshmi Puja into a powerful statement by worshipping their 6-year-old daughter Aritrika as the living form of Goddess Lakshmi.

Conducted with full religious rites by a local priest, the unique ceremony drew attention from curious and supportive neighbors who gathered at the Bagchi residence. "We believe every girl child is a form of Goddess Lakshmi and deserves reverence and respect," said Jhuma Bagchi. Arjun Bagchi emphasized the social message, appealing to society to treat every girl with dignity and eradicate inhuman practices like child abuse and rape.

The event was lauded by local religious leaders and community members. Priest Babon Bhattacharya noted, "Girls are no less than mothers. Worshipping one's daughter as Lakshmi is both scripturally valid and socially meaningful." Aritrika's grandmother Parul Bagchi added, "Our little girl truly is our Lakshmi. We are honored to have worshipped her this way."

While "Kumari Puja" during Durga Puja is a familiar tradition in Bengal, worshipping a daughter as Lakshmi during Kojagari Puja remains rare. The Bagchis hope their powerful statement will spark broader societal awareness and respect for women and children.