Olympian Dipankar Bhattacharjee and his wife Dahlia. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

The Pujas are here. Pandals are being decorated and the beat of the dhak is reverberating in the air. The city is ready to celebrate Goddess Durga’s return to the family fold in a frenzy of sights and sounds. Two young couples of the city share their views today about the essence of Durga Puja and their experiences. Excerpts:

DIPANKAR AND DAHLIA BHATTACHARJEE

Dipankar

Durga Puja is not just another festival. It is an occasion to consolidate family ties and social bondings. As the legend of Goddess Durga goes, it is an occasion which signifies the triumph of good over evil and reminds us that, no matter what, truth and goodness will ultimately prevail.

My mother for one is very emotional about the Pujas. She goes down memory lane and recalls our childhood days — how we used to wake up early and listen to Mahalaya chants on the radio, the shopping spree and pandal-hopping. Kamarpatty, Fancy Bazar and Rest Camp are some of the Pujas we never missed. As we grew up and got busy in pursuing our careers, most of the time we remained away from our family during the Pujas. This time, too, my three brothers are away from home. Although, we are missing them very much, we do keep in frequent touch and bless them in their endeavours.

It has been two years since I got married. My wife, who is from Calcutta, has spent the last two Pujas here in Guwahati and likes it very much.

Dahlia

Goddess Durga, the epitome of shakti, fought with the demons and vanquished them to destroy evil from this world. Thus Durga Puja is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. It is one of the most important festivals and is celebrated with a lot of zeal and pomp.

I hail from Calcutta and ever since childhood have witnessed the excitement among the people during Puja days. I do not find much of a difference, however, between the Pujas celebrated here in Guwahati and that in Calcutta. The excitement and fervour are equal.

Durga Puja means buying clothes, visiting pandals and enjoying thoroughly — taking a respite from the mundane duties. Walking down memory lane, I remember how we used to be excited about wearing new dresses each day and going out to see idols and pandals. Pujas are looked forward to throughout the year. Now, it’s a great feeling to spend the Puja with my husband and in-laws.

Poet Samir Tanti and his advocate wife Liliban Kalita. Picture by S.H. Patgiri

SAMIR TANTI AND LILIBAN KALITA

Samir

For me, Durga Puja symbolises not only the triumph of good over evil, but also amity and integrity. It is a season when all communities in the state come together to enjoy the festivities. There is bhakti, but there is merriment too. I think this and the wholehearted participation of people from all communities and walks of life is what makes Durga Puja so special.

Even as a boy in the tea gardens, I have seen people of all communities participate in the festivities with equal fervour. Jhumar dances, plays, bhaonas and cinema shows continue for four to five days. The merriment is so infectious and the mingling of cultures so wonderful.

Even in the city, where I have been living for so many years now, Durga Puja is an all-community festival. It is the flavour of autumn. What saddens me, though, is the culture of donation collection that has crept in. With globalisation, consumerism has also crept into the festivities. But the happy fact is that people have still not lost touch with their traditions.

Liliban

Since I am not a religious person, Durga Puja for me means only a festival of happiness. I believe that if one looks within oneself and has a clear conscience he or she will find god within. The essence of Durga Puja, however, is purely religious. People worship the goddess to get shakti.

Unfortunately, over the years, it has become a festival of competition. The religious fervour has lessened and pomp and show have taken over. This, I think, adulterates the essence of Pujas. Celebrations must have the right mix of religious devotion and festivity.

As told to Teresa Rehman