Durga Pujo in Shillong
Reflecting on the vibrant Durga Pujo celebrations in Shillong during the 90s and contrasting them with the current diminishing fervour, as observed by the Central Puja Committee. From the nostalgic memories of Jail Road and Ramkrishna Mission’s kichuri bhog to modern environmental concerns and inclusivity efforts, this article explores how the festival has evolved over time in the city.
Ah, Durga Pujo in Shillong! It’s funny how just the mention of Jail Road and the Ramkrishna Mission takes me right back to the 90s. And then there was Harishabha Laban. Back then, it was all about the kichuri bhog at the RKM and the lively functions at Jail Road – an absolute riot of colours, sounds, and flavours. Fast forward to today, and I can’t help but feel a touch of nostalgia. And now, seeing the recent piece in the Shillong Times about the dwindling excitement surrounding the festival has stirred up quite a few musings of my own.
Let’s be honest – Durga Pujo was once the absolute bee’s knees in Shillong, wasn’t it? The whole city came alive with the dhak, the lights, and the wonderful aroma of fried snacks wafting through the air. But, as I’ve come to realise over the years, something’s changed. According to Naba Bhattacharjee, head honcho of the Central Pujo Committee (CPC), even he’s noticed it. The energy that used to electrify the festival seems to have fizzled out a bit, like a party where the DJ’s stopped playing and people are slowly wandering off. “The rhythm of the festival has changed over time,” he says. “Durga Pujo is more than just rituals – it’s a celebration of inclusivity and unity in diversity.” Quite right, but where has all the buzz gone?
In a city that used to buzz like a hive of Pujo fervour, this year we’re seeing just 59 Pujo committees and five private celebrations. One Pujo down from last year, mind you, with Butcher’s Lane in Rilbong sitting this one out. I must say, there’s a certain sadness in that. The Pujo season was always a time when no corner of the city was left untouched by festivity.
The times, they are a-changing, as Bob Dylan would croon. Bhattacharjee hits the nail on the head when he points out how people’s habits have shifted. The Pujo shopping spree? It’s become more of a Pujo shopping snore. People are jetting off to other states or simply not engaging in the same way. The good old bustling bazaars where you’d find entire families debating over saris or kurtas are, by all accounts, a shadow of their former selves. I suppose the convenience of online shopping has snuck in and pinched away at that old-school charm.
However, not all is doom and gloom. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Shillong Hindu Dharmasabha at Jagannath Mandir, Thana Road, adding a touch of grandeur to the proceedings. Now, that’s something to be chuffed about! The CPC has also been pulling out all the stops, with several rounds of meetings to ensure everything runs like clockwork. You’ve got your CCTV surveillance, extra police personnel, and even fire services on hand. A far cry from the slightly chaotic Durga Pujo I remember, where half the fun was getting lost in the crowd or bumping into old friends at the pandal.
Now, here’s a bit of modern Pujo politics for you – there was some kerfuffle about a group trying to hoist a “gau dhwaj” flag to promote a beef ban. But Bhattacharjee, cool as a cucumber, was having none of it. “Sanatan Dharma has always been inclusive and allowed free will,” he said. Good on him, I say! Nothing spoils a festival quicker than someone trying to bring in divisive agendas. It’s a festival about unity, after all, not drawing lines in the sand.
Environmentally speaking, it’s good to see the CPC is taking things seriously. With biodegradable idols and natural colours, they’re making sure that our beloved Wahumkhrah river doesn’t suffer from a post-immersion hangover. And thank goodness they’ve made sure the ghat steps are sorted this time! Last year, if you remember, the river was hit with a bout of sewage just before the immersion. Talk about putting a damper on things! Fingers crossed the administration pulls through this year and keeps the water clean.
So, as the clock ticks towards this year’s Durga Pujo, it’s hard not to reminisce about the golden days. But I suppose that’s the way of things, isn’t it? We move forward, but we carry the past with us, like a warm, comforting blanket. The festival may be changing, but the memories? They’re etched in stone – or at least in my mind’s eye, where the kichuri bhog still tastes divine, and the Jail Road functions remain as lively as ever.
Let’s hope this year brings back a bit of the old magic. Because, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like Durga Pujo in Shillong, is there?
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