Durga Puja, the most happening festival of the Bengalis can be sensed with its spurt of fanfare on all the four days of the Durga Puja festival. This autumnal festival popularly known as Sharodotsav, recalls the power of female Shakti symbolized by the Goddess Durga who slays asura to reestablish peace and sanctity on earth again. Bengalis all over the world during these days of Durga Puja rejoice to their heart’s content reconnecting with friends and relatives. Durga Puja is an occasion when the familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh,the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug to every Bengali heart.
But this Durga Puja was different, not in its flavor but in fashion. Reason being not the lack in enthusiasm but the increase in Inflation. The pre Durga Puja Sale Shopping could not attract the the money from the customer’s pocket. People faced the problems as the prices of most of the items like clothes, jewellery had increased by about 25 percent, resulting a dip in sale. Looking on to the other side, the Puja pandel committee (w.r.t. Durgapur area) were restricted with their budget which could easily be seen reflecting in the Pandel get up. Many a place where the pandel is famous for its background scenery behind the Durga idol, was found missing. Still adding to this exception , Marconi and fuljhore efforts were appreciated at large, and were found to be the most crowded.
On the other hand, the prices of the items in the stalls set up in the fair and the rides installed were nevertheless. Last the items that cost Rs. 15/- were found to be incremented by 10 and Rides from Rs. 25 to 30 were fixed at Rs. 40/- straight away.
Still there was no shortage of the people who could have loosen their pockets on the fun of Durga Puja, the most awaited festival through out the year especially in Bengal and the Bengalis. From the highways to the high profile restaurants, people have been seen standing in the queue for their turn to come. From samosas to rasogullas nothing was left to be put on the taste buds of the people in Bengal. Navami & Dasmi witnessed jam on the street.
Being the inflation standing at its high, ‘the people’ have stated waiting for the next year to come. The Enthu is still ON…!!
With Diwali ahead, Wishing you all a very happy Diwali .
Subho Bijoya !!
The World Thru My Eyez 