Durga Puja

Humans are social beings. We rely on one another to uplift ourselves. That’s why they say ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ Unity is the most important aspect of the existence of humanity. Building a connection with people, affecting their lives, and allowing them to create an impact on ours, this is what being a human stands for. We humans do so by several ways. But one of the most jovial techniques that brings happiness to both oneself, and others, is festivals. Festivals brings us together in a way any normal day cannot. It makes us realize the true meaning and essence of having a family. It is not only about making our day better, but festivals mainly revolve around the spirit of giving. One such festival is Durga Puja. Durga Puja, the festival that pays homage to the most powerful female goddess in Hindu Mythology, is one of the most important festival in the eyes of a person living in Bengal. It is not only about devotion and worship, but it also celebrates Bengal’s art, culture, creativity and zest. But in the year of 2020, Durga Puja was celebrated quite differently. With the fear of covid 19 spreading around us like an impalpable flame, it was impossible for us to move out of our homes and visit multifarious pandals in a carefree way. But still we did our best in the pandemic situation by utilizing social media to its fullest. Zoom calls with families, live videos on YouTube that recorded aartis and home delivery of puja paraphernalia gave us a way to connect and unite even while physical distancing. The pandemic forced us apart but it didn’t break our spirits. Thus, we were able to maintain a healthy connection with the people we loved and were able to bring about as much joy in the online celebration of festivals as we did in the normal times.