Though small puja pandals (a temporary shed) will dot the cities where celebrations are known to happen, the opulence and grandeur scaled down this time, Durga Puja in West Bengal will nevertheless continue to draw people from across the country and the world, for all who care to risk travel and are hell bent upon heading homewards at these difficult times too
The pandemic has its impact on festivals in a big way. Still, people’s enthusiasm for Durga Puja is very much there even though the size of the pandals is smaller compared to previous years.
Not only in Kolkata but all over the world, Bengalis wait the whole year to celebrate this festival, and sure enough, they are all geared up, whatever the limitations.
The spirit of the celebration is very much there in the air even though the number of pandals is less, as investors for many puja organisers have gone kaput due to Covid induced recession.
Added to the low key puja festivity is mourning for many who lost their near and dear ones to Corona. To keep the spirit of the puja, however, the dhakis or those who play the dhak (drums) at the pandals, are at work.
Shops are abuzz with Bengalis shopping for knick-knacks and clothes, of course with masks and trying their best to follow social distancing norms. Even though all activities are comparatively low key, children are a happy lot.
As the Harshringar or Night Jasmine blooms and red border white sarees fly off the shelves, it is Durga Puja and time for festivities.
Kolkata is riding high on themes for the pandals from Burj Khalifa to Bollywood. With prizes and awards for the best, talents come to the fore for sculpting idols and deciding on themes.
Though small puja pandals will dot the cities where celebrations are known to happen, the opulence and grandeur scaled down this time, Durga Puja in West Bengal will nevertheless continue to draw people from across the country and the world, for all who care to risk travel and are hell bent upon heading homewards at these difficult times too.
Idol makers and pandal planners are busier this year than last year, as demands overseas have also happened, even though things continue to look grim.
There is no stopping creative talent, while there is a cap on gatherings, and social-distancing norms continue. Yes, goes without saying the chaos and madness are missing, but virtual celebration is something all have learnt to enjoy in the years 2020 and 2021.
Calcutta High Court has said that restrictions imposed in 2020 will remain this year, and barricades are being put up outside pandals. But then the fervour remains high as all are also getting ready for a virtual treat.
The themes in Kolkata include 70s’ Bollywood, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, ‘Pichutan‘, which means a yearning or a longing for something that you cannot go back and so on and so forth.
Yes, goes without saying the chaos and madness are missing, but virtual celebration is something all have learnt to enjoy in the years 2020 and 2021
It continues in the same vein all over, wherever celebrations are happening, with intricacies worked upon delicately, even gold embroidered saree for Ma Durga perhaps.
While some go paying tributes to the dear ones lost due to Covid, still others are based on current issues too, like the farmers’ protest. The variety is mind-blowing.
With Ma Durga, as per mythological beliefs and prediction of stars, comes riding a horse this time, prosperity and hopes are here to rule this year, so it is believed. So celebration time is here, notwithstanding the curbs and the fears and the signs sure point towards happier times ahead.
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