Politicians have high jacked inauguration of the Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a festival of four days but, inauguration is a major event that sets the ball rolling. Who inaugurates a puja is a major indication of how popular the specific puja would be. Once upon a time, this responsibility was that of a senior person of the community – he could be an author or a singer or musician or even a film star. In those days, such individuals were respected and held in high esteem. They drew crowds.
But, times have changed.
Over a period of time, the concept of ‘baroari’ puja has undergone a sea change, thanks to the direct involvement of political bigwigs. Whether it is the north or the south, the popularity is in direct proportion to money power and muscle power. Yes, there are committees who go from one pandal to another to see for themselves and judge the arrangements. And, the electronic media give them more than adequate coverage to ensure crowds.

The inauguration programs that once used to be solemn affairs have now become a mad rush to get in the frame of the camera – and, for political leaders to make a point. Politicians have high jacked inaugurations - they always have an eye on the ballot box and all their activities revolve around the ‘desire of the masses’. The ‘desire’ is usually one that is their own and thrust upon the public who have to swallow it, whether they like it or not. They do not have any choice – they have to either go with the tide or be left stranded on the sidelines.
And – the latest craze is the awards given by the sponsors. These awards in the form of ‘stars’ like ‘star’, ‘mega star’, ‘super star’ and ‘blockbuster’ draw the crowds and the competition is tough. It is a challenge for the organizers to hold on to a ‘star’ year after year. (to be continued …)
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

Some more interesting links -

Fossils and eggshells of baby dinosaurs found in Gobi Desert

Parama Island flyover adds to traffic jams in Kolkata – made one-way

Future of street foods in Delhi bleak - Delhi bans cooking on roads


Arnold Schwarzenegger could play in Rajinikanth-starrer 'Enthiran 2'

Emma Roberts and her horror-comedy series "Scream Queens"

India is one of 81 countries vying for Best Foreign Film in the 88th Academy Awards


Despite US airstrikes, ISIS still makes £300-million a year from oil

Syrian gang caught trying to smuggle 20-tonnes of cannabis worth £150million into Europe

US airdrops 50-tons of ammunition for M-16s and AK-47 to Syrian fighters


Durga Puja in Kolkata housing complexes

Durga Puja and cultural programs

The pandal hoppers of Kolkata