Countdown to Durga Puja: Scaling Down Amid Floods, but Spirit Remains High in Rural Tripura
As the countdown to Durga Puja, the most anticipated festival for Bengalis, draws to a close, excitement fills the air across Tripura. Durga Puja signifies more than just a religious celebration—it is a time for feasting, wearing new clothes, and social gathering in joy.
For festival-loving people of Tripura, the wait for this grand occasion lasts all year, with fervor building as the Goddess Durga with divine family prepares to descend to Earth.
This year, despite the anticipation, the recent devastating floods in Tripura have cast a shadow over the preparations. Many lives were lost in floods. Moreover, properties and livelihoods of people were damaged in the floods.
Amidst sufferings even as the scale of festivities has remarkably slashed, both towns and villages are abuzz with activity to welcome Maa Durga. Artisans are working tirelessly to build pandals and idols. As a consequence of flood related plights and losses of people, a large number of puja organizers have had to scale down their Puja Budget while many devoted a considerable part of their Budget to provide aids to the flood hit people.
The Bullet Club in Manughat, Dhalai district, is among those adjusting their plans. Bijoy Sharma, the club's secretary, said this year marks their 33rd Durga Puja, an event long-awaited by the community. It is one of the rural community puja where people from different villages, irrespective of ethnicity and religion, gather to enjoy the festivity with religious fervor.
In previous years, their celebrations were held on a grand scale, attracting people from surrounding rural areas. However, the devastating floods have forced the club to significantly curtail their usual preparations.
"The Puja this year is smaller, but no less significant," Sharma explained. "Our budget has been cut in half due to the circumstances, and we are working with Rs 4 lakh this time." Despite the financial constraints, the club remains committed to delivering a memorable experience for the community. The pandal, designed as an imaginary temple, is being crafted by local artisans, who are still hard at work despite the challenges.
In addition to the religious celebrations, the Bullet Club is continuing its tradition of community service. This year, they will distribute new clothes to underprivileged children and elderly residents affected by the floods. The club is also launching a campaign to raise awareness about the danger of the drug addiction among the youth, hoping to make a lasting impact on the community during the Puja.
Though more than twenty Puja celebrations are planned in the Manu Thana area, the Bullet Club's event remains the largest in terms of budget and scale. Located beside the Assam-Agartala National Highway near Manu Bazar, their Puja pandal is a local highlight each year. While the scale may be smaller this time, the organizers are confident that the spirit of the festival will shine through and capture the hearts of all who attend.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
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