Page 283 - Kolaj Sharodiya Review Edition

Durga Pujo With a Difference

Manas Aditya

This year we will be welcoming Maa Durga with a difference. Starting with Pujo shopping while wearing masks, maintaining social distance for offering
Pushapanjali (offering flowers to Goddess) and listening to the Mahalaya more than a month before Puja begins! The most challenging work from the
government and Pujo committee’s perspective will be ensuring social distance.
They will also have to take care of keeping the smile on every face without disturbing the traditional sentiments during pujo days through maintaining social
distance and organizing the cultural programmes at evening and various quiz, elocution, drawing and Alpona competitions in the morning for women and
children. Thanks to online services for complete coverage of pujo for elderly and physically challenged persons will be much benefitted. Pujo committee
members should not hesitate to take utmost care in organizing the festival well at this pandemic moment.

Some of the themes of the competitions will be on `impact of Corona on the common man”, `protecting oneself from Corona’ and `Corona- social
distancing’ etc. Stalls kept near the pujo will try to make much business with protective measures and make happy customers with their unique products.

Health sector, fire, police and other public service departments will be extra attentive and protective. Prasad and bhog distribution by maintaining social
distance will be the most challenging task on Maha Ashtami Pujo and sindoor utsav on Bijoya Dashami in particular. Nothing can come in between if we
maintain the proper social distance.

The pujo atmosphere of Kolkata may be slightly different as visiting pandals with family, friends and in groups in the evening may be restricted to some
extent. It is duty of everyone to make this year’s Durga pujo the best by maintaining guidelines provided by different health organizations.

Maintaining social distance, keeping ourselves safe and helping others to do the same can always make a Durga pujo successful with a difference.

Finally, wishing you all a very happy and safe Durga pujo!