Durga Pujo in Shillong: Tradition Meets Tech
Discover how Durga Pujo celebrations in Shillong are blending tradition with technology. Amidst financial challenges, communities are embracing digital innovations to keep the spirit of this Bengali festival alive, making it accessible to devotees worldwide.
Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of sharing news of the vibrant Durga Pujo celebrations in Shillong. Today, thanks to The Shillong Times, I’m delighted to bring you yet another slice of Pujo news, from the land of my origins, where a tech-inspired Durga Pujo is taking shape. For decades, Durga Pujo has been a much-anticipated spiritual and festive tradition for Bengalis in Meghalaya and beyond. It’s a time when communities come together, but like so many things in life, it’s not immune to the winds of change—be it social, financial, or, in this case, technological.
Prem Sagar Roy, president of the PWD Compound Durga Pujo Committee at Barik, had a rather sobering reflection on how participation in the celebrations has dwindled over the years. “In the beginning, 42 houses would band together to organise the pujo,” he shared. “But now, we’re down to a mere eight. Donations? Well, they’ve dropped too, of course.” This PWD pujo, running strong since 1995, has faced the odd curveball, with groups occasionally questioning the use of government property for religious festivities. But despite these hiccups, the show must go on—albeit on a smaller scale. This year, though, financial constraints have meant the cultural programmes will take a back seat, leaving the ritualistic aspects to shine through.
Over in Pynden Borsora at Mawsynram, East Khasi Hills, Ananta Paul echoed similar concerns. “We still get around 300 people from the village, but it’s getting harder financially,” he said. “It’s not as grand as it once was, but we keep the spirit alive every year.” Like many rural communities, their focus remains on preserving cultural roots, despite the pressing economic reality.
Meanwhile, in Oakland, a locality well known for its Durga Pujo celebrations, Kishore Deb from the local pujo committee pointed out how the pinch is being felt there too. “With expenses going through the roof and people earning less, everyone’s tightening their belts. You can see it in how people shop for the pujo and in their contributions to the celebrations,” Deb observed. But, as he rightly noted, it’s not a retreat from faith—it’s simply adapting to financial constraints.
That said, not every pujo committee is retreating. Some, in fact, are leaping into the digital age. Take the Hatath Colony Durga Pujo Committee, for example. They’ve embraced technology like a long-lost relative, cleverly weaving it into every facet of their festival. Recognising the sheer power of social media, they’ve extended their celebrations far beyond Shillong’s borders. Former residents, senior citizens, and pujo enthusiasts from across the globe can now join the fun—virtually, of course.
“We’ve come to understand that technology isn’t just for chatting away; it’s for creating experiences,” one committee member noted with a hint of pride. They’ve launched teaser campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, generating a real buzz ahead of the festival. And for those who can’t be there in person? Not to worry! They’ll be live streaming the rituals on October 10 from 7 pm, making sure that nobody misses out—whether they’re stuck in another city or simply feeling a bit under the weather.
For the elderly and those who’ve ventured far from Shillong, this digital bridge is nothing short of a godsend. It’s a way of staying connected to their roots, even if they’re halfway across the globe. One committee member noted, “For many who left Shillong for their careers, this is a chance to reconnect with home, even if they’re miles away.”
Meanwhile, at Lower Jail Road, Bhagat Chhetri from the Nepali Durga Pujo Committee painted a more optimistic picture. “We’ve been celebrating pujo here for 68 years, and although some key participants have moved on or passed away, the spirit is still very much alive. Our pandal is always packed during the main days,” he said. For Chhetri, the dip in participation is more about demographic shifts than a lack of enthusiasm.
Yet, even as the younger generation tries to strike a balance between modernity and tradition, the pujo remains a cultural anchor. The growing costs of organising the festival, especially in places like Oakland, have forced communities to scale back. But even with smaller budgets and less grandeur, the essence of Durga Pujo persists, proving once again that it’s not about how much is spent but the shared experience of devotion and togetherness.
In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s comforting to know that some traditions, even in the face of financial and social change, remain resilient. While some pujo committees are adopting a more pragmatic approach to these challenges, others are riding the wave of digital innovation, ensuring that this beloved festival remains accessible and relevant. Whether you’re joining in person or from the other side of a screen, Durga Pujo in Shillong continues to bring people together, one way or another.
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