By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 10: Inflation and a dwindling Hindu population are among the major factors that have made organising Durga Puja increasingly difficult in Meghalaya, a once grand event in the region.
The rush to various Puja pandals is no longer the same, with the glitz and excitement significantly toned down and the once-bustling enthusiasm diminishing. A visit to the oldest community Puja, the Sanatan Dharma Sabha Harisabha Laban Puja Committee, revealed the absence of the usual fervour. The path leading to the Puja pandal, which once celebrated the festival with passion and keenness, now tells a different story.
The previously clogged streets, once filled with human traffic, now see only a thin flow of visitors, with vehicles passing easily. The long lines of street vendors selling food items have disappeared, and the iconic drum beats marking the Puja’s arrival are noticeably absent.
Vice president of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha Harisabha Laban Puja Committee, Mintu Das, shared, “We manage the Pujas through donations, and this year, we discovered that 40 households from the Laban area have permanently left Shillong within the year. Fewer houses mean less collection, especially in these times of inflation.”
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to organise Pujas as many have sold their homes and left Shillong. The younger generation is mostly working and settling outside. However, we have preserved our culture and traditions for the past 129 years, and we will continue to do so,” he added.
Shifting the focus to this year’s celebration, Das mentioned that the theme for the committee is women’s empowerment, with a series of activities organised, including cricket, carrom, and more, to encourage women’s participation. Awareness programs on women’s empowerment were also conducted.
Similarly, Sharad Rana, president of the Gorkha Durga Puja Committee, Luckier Road, the oldest Durga Puja committee, said, “It has indeed become difficult, as our pockets are getting tighter. Inflation is a major problem, with prices rising every day. The buffalo we used to buy for Rs 15,000 now costs over Rs 60,000, and other expenses like decorations have also increased.”
“It’s a tough job, but with the blessings of Goddess Durga, we’ve been able to manage with financial assistance from everyone,” he added.
CPC general secretary, JL Das, informed, “The first Puja in Shillong was started by the Gorkha regiment at Luckier Road, who handed it over to civilians before leaving, and it has continued ever since. In terms of community Puja, the oldest is Harisabha.”
Regarding the challenges of organising Puja celebrations, he noted, “It’s difficult these days due to skyrocketing expenses and poor collections. As reported by various Puja committees, collections have been much lower compared to previous years.”