The Central Puja Committee of Shillong has been observing the unique convergence of people of goodwill in a function named, “Get Together for Harmony,” since 1993. This was a felt need after the celebration of Durga Puja in Meghalaya was disrupted due to communal tensions that began in 1979. This programme which has now become Shillong’s annual event was initiated by a few right thinking individuals who felt that the only way to promote and sustain the pluralistic nature and cosmopolitan spirit of Shillong is to bring people of goodwill on a common platform. And that it did! Year after year since 1993 the ‘Get Together for Harmony’ has included people from all faiths, cultures and walks of life making it a much anticipated event. There is a sense of bonhomie as people join in praying for harmony, peace and prosperity. However, like every observance, this one too faces the prospect of turning into a customary ritual that has gradually lost the essence with which it was conceived.
A Get-Together by its very name suggests an interaction among those who attend the function. It is not meant to be another lengthy, formal speech-giving ceremony laden with VIPs while the rest of the invitees sit in quiet deference and do not even have the opportunity to interact with fellow Shillongites to wish them a peaceful and happy Puja, which is what the function is intended for. This is a much awaited season, hence a time for exchange of pleasantries. There are too many Government and non-Government functions where speeches are the order of the day and people suffer in silence listening to boring lectures. A Get-Together for Harmony is expected to be a much better conceived programme where participants are drawn from all faiths. In the past this happened and the stage was adorned by eclectic groups each paying tribute in the way they know best. There was a genuine sense of participation. That is not the case today for reasons best known to the organizers. It reminds us of Tagore’s exhortation, “Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
into the dreary desert sand of dead habit.” It is indeed easy for an observance to turn into a meaningless ritual!