As the Puja lights fade
As Maa Durga takes a dip in Wahumkhrah and the sound of drums fade through the streets, Shillong is to now ease back into its everyday rhythm. The city streets will now feel quieter, almost as if catching their breath after days of celebration.
The pandals that had drawn in crowds are slowly being dismantled, returning Shillong’s landmarks to their usual forms.
It is a bittersweet transition, as the spirit of Puja leaves behind a lingering warmth, memories of pandal hopping and dandiya nights, and Shillong’s rare late night liveliness, stretching until midnight.
But as Shillong returns to its usual self, Shillongites should look forward to the next burst of festivity, because here, the city never stays quiet for too long.
Functional ATMs a treasure hunt
Finding two things often feels like a test of luck in Shillong , a road without traffic and a working ATM. Though ATMs have popped up in more places, reliable cash withdrawals remain a far-fetched dream.
One would have to brave long queues, only to face that dreaded “Out of Service” sign or an ATM completely out of cash.
Crowded spots like Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah are no guarantee either as machines there are often overwhelmed, while ATMs in quieter areas frequently sit idle with the warning sign that says, ‘under maintenance.’
For a city rich in charm and full of tourists, one would think it’s a given that working ATMs would be as common as clouds in Sohra. But instead , they’re as rare as a parking spot in Shillong.