Shaheen, Guwahati News Desk: Durga puja, also known as Durgotsava is one of the biggest festivals in India, it is celebrated to pay homage to the goddess of devine power, Durga. It is a major festival in Eastern India and popular in the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Tripura. But with the current pandemic situation, it seems that the festival is facing tad difficulties to follow it’s old traditions. Durga Puja this year will begin on October 22 and ends on October 26.
In the view of COVID-19 situation, the government has issued some guidelines which are bound to be followed by every citizens.
Thus, according to the new rules, only 30 people are allowed to be present in a pandal at any given time. The immersion procession, which is one of the major attractions, has been completely restricted which is ordered by Assam chief secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna. Maximum of 5 persons shall be allowed to complete the rituals. The order added, ” There shall be no fairs in an around Puja pandals and temporary pandals shall be allowed to be erected by the side of any street. Maximum 20 devotees shall be allowed to gather at Puja premises maintaining proper social distancing.
The celebration of Durga Puja is unimaginable without the purchase of new clothes but due to the pandemic malls seem to miss the rush comparing to the previous years.
So after talking to few enthusiast on the celebration of Durga Puja Hello Guwahati team got mixed reactions. “As a bengali lady, for us the durga puja is very important festivals, we have many rituals which we need to participate so there is an obvious excitement of purchasing new clothes even though there is a Covid situation. So this time we will celebrate in my in-laws house only with family members following our tradition”, said Asha Baneerjee
“Yes, I will go for shopping by next week as in the morning time me and my family would visit the temple to worship goddess Durga”, said Banshika Deka.
On the other hand Shahnaz and Bhavna preferred to shop online rather than flouting in shops. Meanwhile for Julie rather than shopping she will attend the puja saving some extra bucks in this hard time.
Whereas, Gautami Devi refused to shop and visit any pandals all for her own good. As the covid situation not yet tackled and unnecessary gathering can make the situation worse for the state.
Let’s hope with the worship of devine shakti, the world gains the power to heal soon from the global pandemic, coronavirus.