Durga Puja in Guwahati

STAFF Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 23 – Unlike all other festivals, Durga Puja bears special significance to a cross section of the society. Even those who do not believe in idol worship and the collective Indian mythology, could not help but ponder over the symbolic meaning that the Goddess carries. If Durga Puja for some is simply an occasion to get together with family and friends, for others it is a way of reaffirming their faith in the power of the good.

The Guwahatians who are getting ready to mingle with the festive season and go pandal hopping, have much expectation of the Goddess. Most of them, common people struggling to maintain honesty in all their dealings in an atmosphere of rampant corruption and red-tapism surprisingly had one unanimous wish for the fulfillment of which they would go to offer their prayers to the powerful Goddess.

Putali Kayastha, a school teacher said that since the Goddess symbolises victory of good over evil, she would pray for an end to all the misdeeds in the society. “I extend my greetings to all the people of the State and I hope and pray the auspicious occasion will give us the power to remain honest and raise our voice against the dark forces of corruption, nepotism and extremism,” she said.

Bhaskar Das is the general secretary of Brihattar Uzanbazar Anusuchita Nibanuwa Matysa Byabashayi Santha. The Santha has shown the way to self-sufficiency to many youth, who have realised that there is no substitute to hard work and honesty. “I always dream of a society where peace and honesty reigns. The State has seen many bad days. I will pray to the Goddess for good days,” said Bhaskar.

Housewife Deepali Bhattacharya of Wireless had lost her husband when her daughter was very young. Without a job, and a daughter to bring up, the world was a battle ground for her. But not losing courage, she concentrated on honing her skills at making varieties of delicacies and now she is a successful entrepreneur. All along the way, it was hard work and the age-old values that kept her overcamethe hurdles.

“When most peo ple like us are working hard to make an honest living, a section is promoting corruption and many vices. What I hope every year on the auspicious occasion is for a miracle so that all vices are eliminated,” said Deepali. Rima Borthakur is a young lady struggling to survive in the capital city. Hailing from an upper Assam district, Rima works for a magazine. “I always pray to the Goddess for strength to resist all temptations and face the world with courage. The society needs a change. I fervently hope the Goddess of power will give us all the strength to overcome evil,” said Rima. ASSAM TRIBUNE