Durga will drive her trident through a crab instead of Mahishasur at a pandal in Baghajatin this Puja to raise awareness about cancer.

The Baghajatin B and C Block Durgotsav Committee has chosen Karkat Kranti or Freedom from Cancer as its theme. Several oncologists have been engaged to help the artists ideate and devise models and motifs in keeping with the theme. The puja organisers want to send out the message that most cancers are curable if detected early.

“We have always tried to focus on social issues. Last year, the theme was Green Signal and we stressed the importance of environmental conservation. This year, we chose cancer as the theme as it affects so many families and awareness about the disease is essential,” said Apu Majumdar, the secretary of the puja committee.

Around 80,000 new cases of cancer are detected in Bengal every year and about 3 lakh people suffer from the disease in the state at any given time.

The Durga idol being sculpted by artists Sabyasachi Pal and Tapan Majhi will be shown slaying a giant crab —the symbol of cancer — while another red crab with a mannequin aiming a weapon at it can be seen at the entrance to the pandal.

“Besides the decor, there will be a theme song and announcements will be made to raise awareness about cancer among visitors,” said Gautam Mukhopadhyay, surgical oncologist and secretary of Bengal Oncology Foundation, which has been coordinating with the artists to bring the theme to life.

Mannequins installed across the pandal will send out the message that little changes in one’s lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk of cancer. To highlight the ill effects of smoking and drinking, models will be seen severing cigarette packets and breaking liquor bottles.

Lesser-known risk factors, too, will be highlighted. “Pamphlets warning that obesity in women increases the chances of ovarian, breast and uterine cancer and of prostrate cancer in men would be distributed at the venue,” Mukhopadhyay said. The pamphlets would also warn those with a family history of cancer to be extra cautious and vigilant because cancer is hereditary.

The puja committee also organised a cancer awareness camp last month and a blood donation camp, where 108 people donated blood in a symbolic invocation to Durga who is worshipped with 108 lotuses.

Surgical oncologist Gautam Mukhopadhyay has helped develop the theme Bishwarup Dutta