By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 7: Durga Puja has been a festive and spiritual tradition for the Bengalis in Meghalaya and beyond, bringing people together, and over time, social, financial, and technological factors have influenced its evolution.
Reflecting on how the participation of people in the Durga puja has dwindled, Prem Sagar Roy, president of the PWD Compound Durga Puja Committee at Barik, said initially 42 houses were involved in organizing it in the locality but now, only eight have remained. He said donations have also dropped.
The puja, celebrated at the PWD complex since 1995, has faced occasional challenges, such as objections from groups questioning the use of a government property for religious purposes. Despite these hurdles, the community has managed to keep the tradition alive, albeit with a smaller and dedicated group.
Roy said the puja this year will focus solely on ritualistic observance, foregoing cultural programmes due to financial constraints.
Ananta Paul, a puja organiser from Pynden Borsora at Mawsynram in the East Khasi Hills district, said while they still gather around 300 people from the village to participate, financial constraints are an increasing concern. “The puja is no longer as grand as it once was due to financial issues, but we make it happen each year,” he said adding that rural communities try to preserve their cultural roots despite financial pressures.
The Durga puja is organised in 8 to 9 places in the area. All are facing similar challenges.
In Oakland, a well-known locality in Shillong, Kishore Deb from the Oakland Puja Committee highlighted how the spirit of the festival is being impacted by economic pressures. “With rising expenses and lower earnings, people are more conservative in their spending. It reflects in the way they shop for puja and contribute to the celebrations,” Deb explained.
The austerity felt in the puja celebrations here is not a withdrawal of faith, rather an adaptation to changing financial realities.
While some puja committees face limitations, others are embracing the digital age to maintain engagement. The Hatath Colony Durga Puja Committee has brought innovation to tradition by weaving technology into every aspect of this year’s festival.
Recognising the power of social media, the committee has taken its festivities beyond Shillong, allowing former residents, senior citizens, and Durga puja enthusiasts from around the world to participate virtually.
“We’ve realised that technology is a powerful tool, not just for communication, but for creating experiences,” a member of the committee said.
In a bid to amplify their reach, they launched a teaser campaign across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, releasing videos and pictures to generate excitement.
For devotees who cannot attend in-person, the committee will live stream the celebrations and rituals on October 10 from 7 pm.
The digital initiative has been particularly meaningful for those who are unable to be present in Shillong due to health or distance constraints. “For many who left Shillong to pursue careers, it’s a way to stay connected to their roots even if they are miles away,” said a member.
The live streaming not only strengthens their bond with home but also provides a unique way for senior citizens and those with health concerns to experience the puja from the comfort of their homes.
Incorporating new elements to enhance the puja experience, some committees have introduced “Dandiya Nights”, exclusively for women.
For Bhagat Chhetri of the Nepali Durga Puja Committee at Lower Jail Road, Shillong, the Durga puja fervour has remained largely unchanged. “We’ve been celebrating puja here for 68 years, and though some of our key participants have moved away or passed away, the spirit of puja remains alive. The pandal always sees a rush during the main three days,” Chhetri observed.
In his view, the decline in participation is more a result of demographic shifts than a waning interest in the festival itself.
The loyalty of community members who continue to attend, despite shifts in participation, speaks about the enduring bond between the people and their traditions. However, Chhetri acknowledged that the puja celebrations face inevitable changes as the younger generation balances traditional rituals with modern influences.
For many, financial limitations pose a significant challenge to maintaining the grandeur of Durga puja. This was evident from the comments of several committee members who recounted the growing costs of organizing the festival. In Oakland, for instance, rising expenses and stagnant incomes have led to scaled-back celebrations. Yet, despite these constraints, communities remain committed to preserving the essence of puja.
While Durga puja continues to be an enduring cultural anchor for Meghalaya’s communities, its celebration is gradually adapting to economic, social, and technological trends. The juxtaposition between tradition and modernity, as seen in the approaches of different puja committees, highlights the resilience of cultural practices in the face of change. As some committees navigate financial challenges with pragmatism, others embrace digital innovation, ensuring that puja remains both relevant and accessible.