Yes
Whole year’s profit
Lavish celebrations are certainly good for the people of Kumartuli, decorators, vendors and shop owners. The money that people spend in celebrations goes towards the fulfilment of almost the whole year’s profit for some people.
Harsh Nathani Third year, The Bhowanipur Education Society College, Calcutta
Good for economy
The income of many poor families depend on pujas and festivals.
Artisans and potters are able to put food on the table due to these festivals. This is reason enough to advocate expenditure on puja. Besides, people buy new clothes, utensils and home decor before puja. If people didn’t buy things, it would affect the country’s economy.
Angona Mallick Class VII, Krishnagar Academy, Krishnanagar
Means of earning
Expenditure at Durga Puja supports the livelihoods of people right from a toy seller to a restaurant owner. It includes everyone from idol makers to hawkers to decoraters and local musicians. All of us also contribute to the economy by buying clothes, food and travelling.
Moubani Paul Second year BCom, Bijoy Krishna Girls College, Howrah
NO
Better use
Such funding can be redirected towards well-planned, sustainable projects to create employment. The revenue earned is seasonal and when the celebrations get over, a lot of people are left with no means of earning.
Priyam Deb Class XI, Calcutta Boys’ School, Calcutta
A burden
High expenses may burden organisers and local communities. Loud music and and bright lighting disturb residents and wildlife.
Saumili Mukherjji Class XII, Auxilium Convent School, Bandel
Bad for environment
The government should help and feed the poor instead of helping sponsor lavish Durga Pujas. Also, such celebrations are bad for the environment.
Rimil Soren Class VIII, Kendriya Vidyalaya Cossipore, Calcutta