GUWAHATI, Oct 13 � The much awaited festival has begun and the capital city which till a few days back presented a haggard picture is dazzling like a star with all the puja pandals ready to welcome the devotees.
With most of the puja committees giving importance to the decorative aspect, the city has become a picture of pomp and splendour, which many of the citizens feel has robbed the real essence of the festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
�The expenditures incurred by the puja committees have gone too far. It seems each is competing to outdo the other in embellishment which unfortunately has made us forget the spiritual aspect of the festival,� said Pallavi Baruah, a citizen observing that every year the competition amongst the puja committees was growing intense.
Pallavi said that instead of spending so much on the decorative front, the puja committees would do better by utilizing their fund for a welfare cause.
Supporting Pallavi, a student Deepak Barthakur said that in all the urban areas in the State the same trend of overspending in the decorative front was catching up which was quite an unhealthy development. �Moderation is the word. We have to enjoy the occasion and at the same time remember that the essence of the festival must not be lost in glitter,� he said.
The joyful atmosphere is evident everywhere with people of different background and age making last minute purchases for their loved ones and friends. As the autumn festival is all about sharing and gifting, the Guwahatians are eager to express their feelings for their near and dear ones.
Also many of the citizens would be taking a break from the routine to spend some close moments with their family. �This is the time for a break. And I would take my family on a vacation outside the State,� said R Gohain, a businessman.
The dresses have been decided, the visit to the nearest beauty parlour has been made, and each planning complete � Rima, Geetika and their friends are ready for pandal hopping and also to indulge in gastronomic delight. They will eat out of the makeshift joints on the roadside, a delightful diversion which is permitted by the elders only on special occasions like puja.
On the other hand, for the elderly, the occasion is much spiritual and less of entertainment. Deepali Bhattacharya, a housewife will visit the nearest pandal to seek blessings of the Goddess for her only daughter who will appear for the HS final next year. �May the Goddess bless all of us and give us the power to fight against wrong doings,� she made her wish.
