{
  "id": 12343240,
  "title": "Why Bengal sculptors collect soil from Kolkata’s red-light area for Durga idols",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/why-bengal-sculptors-collect-soil-from-kolkatas-red-light-area-for",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T08:16:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/sculptors-visit-kolkatas-red-light-area-every-year-to-ask-sex-workers-for-soil-from-their-doorsteps-the-powerful-symbolism-behind-bengals-punya-mati-tradition/articleshow/134728253.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Kumartuli, an iconic neighborhood in Kolkata, showcases the unique tradition of crafting Durga idols from clay. A significant aspect of this practice involves gathering soil from the thresholds of sex workers, which holds sacred meaning in Bengali heritage. This inclusion reflects a profound connection between faith and societal acceptance, stirring dialogue about purity and respect for all…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
        "title": "5 Indian festivals worth travelling for: From Onam in Kerala to Durga Puja in Kolkata",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/5-indian-festivals-worth-travelling-for-from-onam-in-kerala-to-durga",
        "published": "2026-10-05T17:30:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}