Covid crisis dampens Puja festivities in Patna

PATNA: Will the people of the city enjoy Dussehra festival this year with the same zeal and enthusiasm as they used to do earlier? Certainly not.
The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on festivities this time. Most people, particularly the youths, are disheartened with the onset of the festival on a very low key note. Festivals are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in people’s lives with their loved ones, but they are going to be deprived of this opportunity this year.
Social scientists feel that this festival offered immense opportunities for the people of different communities to come closer and promote the feeling of fraternity and brotherhood.“India’s secularism became very much pronounced in Dussehra festival in which people belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities participated with almost equal enthusiasm to share their mutual feelings of joy. Many non-Hindus used to participate in the decorations and illuminations which were the highlights of the festival. At most places in Patna, attractive pandals were usually erected by Muslim artisans,” said Patna College sociology department’s former head Randhir Kumar Singh.
The social side of Durga Puja used to be very prominent with a large number of people comprising an entire neighbourhood , sometimes a whole mohalla, joining in its preparation and successful execution. “The festival brought us all together in the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness and reminded us there is a lot of good in the world that we live in. Festivals come at the right time to break the monotony and bring some cheer into our lives,” observed Patna University Hindi department’s former head Dinesh Prasad Singh .
Magadh University retired chemistry teacher Mahesh Chandra said, “In the modern age, families rarely have free time left. This festival was the only event when they would go out and have a good time together at the Puja pandals. Moreover, religious festivals are important for families as they help to inculcate moral values and ethics in our next generations. All festivals bring the same message of peace, love, tolerance and coexistence,” he said.
Besides, planning and organising festivals involve many members of a locality, which yields a number of social benefits. “ The best thing about being involved with festivals is the opportunity to help build a community, foster a sense of pride within a community and at the same time engage a community,” said RP Tripathy, who used to organize community Durga Puja along with musical programmes at Boring Road.