Hindu goddess Kali dance portrayal in Kolkata termed 'unsightly and undesirable', sparks debate

A dance performance portraying Hindu Goddess Kali has sparked controversy in Kolkata after viewers objected to the costume and presentation used during a production of Mahavidya.

The mythological dance drama was staged by Nitya, Faculty of Sight at Mohit Mancha in Tala Park on August 8. Following the performance, images and reactions circulated on social media, with some viewers describing the depiction of Kali as inappropriate and disrespectful.

The controversy has focused primarily on how the performer portraying Kali was presented on stage, rather than on the decision to include the Hindu deity in a dance production.

What sparked the objections?

According to the organizers, the performer appeared in a costume that differed substantially from what the production team had expected.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the organizers said the choreography, dance movements and presentation were the “creative decisions” of the concerned artist. They said the team had provided the performer with the designated script and audio but had not seen her rehearse in the costume ultimately worn during the performance.

The organizers said they had expected her to wear attire similar to that of two accompanying dancers. Instead, the performer appeared in a “completely different and unspecified costume”.

That unexpected presentation became the central point of criticism.

For viewers who objected to the performance, the issue was the perceived lack of dignity in the visual representation of Kali, a major Hindu deity traditionally associated with power, destruction of evil and protection. The criticism centered on whether the costume and overall staging were appropriate for such a revered religious figure.

The organizers subsequently acknowledged that the presentation had been inappropriate and that stronger coordination should have taken place before the performance.

Organizers apologize after social media backlash

The production group apologized following the criticism and described the episode as “unsightly and undesirable.”

The organizers said the dancers involved were senior and experienced performers and had been given considerable creative freedom because of the trust placed in their professionalism. However, they acknowledged that this approach resulted in insufficient oversight of the final costume and presentation.

The group said it regretted the experience for viewers, artists and well-wishers.

Social media reactions reflected the controversy surrounding the performance. Some viewers questioned whether the portrayal of Maa Kali could have been presented with greater dignity, while others criticized what they considered an inappropriate depiction of the deity.

At the same time, the online comments represent individual reactions and do not independently establish wrongdoing by either the performer or the organizers.

The debate has also highlighted a broader question surrounding artistic freedom and the portrayal of religious figures in contemporary performance art: How much creative liberty should artists have when depicting a deity worshipped by millions?

Stricter checks promised for future shows

The organizers have said the controversy exposed shortcomings in their production process.

Going forward, the group said costumes and other elements of stage presentation will be finalized and reviewed in advance. The organizers also indicated that stronger supervision will be introduced to prevent a similar situation.

The episode has therefore become a controversy not only about the costume worn by the performer portraying Kali, but also about the responsibility of a production team to oversee how a sacred figure is represented on stage.

For the organizers, the immediate response has been an apology and a commitment to tighter checks. For critics, the incident has raised questions about cultural and religious sensitivity when traditional Hindu imagery is adapted for contemporary dance.

The production’s organizers have not indicated that the dance drama itself will be discontinued. Instead, they have said the experience will inform how costumes, choreography and stage presentations are reviewed in future performances.