Kalpit Kaya Mohanty
Bhubaneswar: As the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack gear up for the annual Durga Puja celebrations, stakeholders find themselves navigating a complex landscape of new regulations and environmental concerns. The festival, traditionally a vibrant showcase of cultural heritage and religious devotion, is undergoing significant changes that impact everyone from idol makers to DJs.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das recently outlined the city's approach to ensuring a more sustainable celebration. "We've implemented a comprehensive SOP for idol immersion this year," Mayor Das explained. "We're creating artificial ponds to minimize environmental impact and launching awareness campaigns to promote eco-friendly practices during the puja."
The mayor's initiatives reflect a broader push towards sustainability, but they've also created challenges for various groups involved in the festivities. Idol sculptors, in particular, are feeling the pressure of adapting to new eco-friendly mandates. The shift away from traditional materials has forced many to retool their processes, often at considerable cost.
Narendranath Sahu, secretary of a prominent puja committee, highlighted the difficulties faced by organizers. "We fully support the move towards a greener puja, but the lack of clear, timely communication from authorities has made implementation challenging," Sahu stated. "Many committees are struggling to adapt to last-minute directives while still maintaining the essence of our cultural traditions."
The puja committees play a crucial role in orchestrating the intricate rituals of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, culminating in the spectacular Ravana Podi ceremony. These events require months of planning and significant resources, making sudden changes particularly disruptive.
Another group feeling the impact of new regulations is the DJ community. With a new 65-decibel limit in place to curb noise pollution, DJs are having to rethink their approach to providing the festival's soundtrack. Jagdish and Balaram, representatives of the local DJ committee, expressed mixed feelings about the changes.
"We understand the need to control noise pollution, but it's important to recognize that sound is an integral part of the puja experience," Jagdish explained. "We're working on ways to create an immersive atmosphere within the new limits, but it's a challenge."
Balaram added, "Social media has influenced people's perceptions of what a 'proper' puja should sound like. We're trying to educate the public that both modern sound systems and traditional acoustics have their place in the celebrations."
The restrictions come at a critical time for the DJ industry and its associated sectors. The festive period from Ganesh Puja through Durga Puja and Diwali typically accounts for a substantial portion of their annual income. The changes are sending ripples through a wider economic ecosystem that includes sound system rentals, lighting technicians, and support staff.
Police Commissioner Shri S. Dev Datta Singh emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with public safety and environmental concerns. "Our goal is to ensure a joyous and safe celebration for all," Commissioner Singh stated. "We're working closely with puja committees to implement measures such as alcohol-free immersion processions and proper crowd management."
The commissioner also addressed the ban on single-use plastics during the festivities, urging citizens and organizers to embrace more sustainable alternatives. "It's a collective effort," he noted. "We're counting on everyone's cooperation to make this year's puja both memorable and environmentally responsible."
As the twin cities prepare for the upcoming celebrations, there's a palpable sense of both excitement and uncertainty. The cherished tradition of Durga Puja is undoubtedly evolving, with stakeholders working to find a balance between cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
While challenges remain, there's also optimism that these changes will pave the way for more sustainable celebrations in the years to come. As Bhubaneswar and Cuttack adapt to this new reality, they're not just preserving a beloved tradition – they're reshaping it for future generations, ensuring that the spirit of Durga Puja continues to thrive in harmony with the environment.
