From large-scale idols to themed pandals, from gorgeous decorations to dazzling illuminations, nothing is spared in the pursuit of grandeur. Village after village immerses itself in cultural festivities. In the predominantly agricultural Kalna subdivision, areas such as Dharmadanga, Rongpara, Hijuli, and Sardanga celebrate the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of harvest, as their primary festival.
But the residents are as depressed as the cloudy sky because of the unrelenting rain that fell on Sunday, the eve of the puja, dampening the festive spirit. The majority of puja budgets surpass one lakh rupees. Jute farming has produced significant profits for farmers in these regions this year, which translates to a plentiful "Lakshmi's blessing". However, many pandals are still unfinished due to Sunday's day-long rain. If the rain continues into Monday, the day of the puja, organizers warn of serious issues.
When it comes to themes, idols, lighting, and music, Kalna's villages compete amicably with one another during Lakshmi Puja. According to Tanmoy Das, the secretary of the Pallishree Sangha in Dharmadanga, cultural events have been planned for each of the puja's four days. The Ankur Club and New Tarun Sangha's pujas in Hijuli are especially notable. Upendranath Brahmachari, the man who discovered the Kala-azar vaccine, has his ancestral home in Sardanga village of Purbasthali, where several pujas are held with budgets exceeding one lakh rupees each. In the village, a fair is also held to commemorate the event.
This year, the pandal of Sardanga Young Star Club is being crafted with artificial flowers. Saurabh Das, a key member, said, “We wait all year for this festival. But due to the rain, much work remains unfinished even on the eve of the puja”.
Samar Das, president of Sardanga Sabuj Sangha, echoed similar concerns, stating, “Half the work on the pandal is still pending. I'm at a loss as to how we'll complete it”.
The inclement weather has also cast a pall over the Lakshmi Puja celebrations in Asansol. Intermittent showers have been occurring since Sunday morning. An idol seller on GT Road in Asansol said with grief, “The persistent rain has washed away the market for Lakshmi idols this year. Anticipating this situation, we didn't even paint all the idols; some have been kept in storage”.
Kalpana, selling idols near Girja More, said, “I can't recall when Lakshmi Puja was last marred by such continuous rainfall. We had hoped for sunshine after Durga Puja, expecting good sales for our crafted idols. All hopes have been dashed”.
A businessman from Rupnarainpur, who annually imports and sells idols, shared, “Given the weather forecast, I only purchased 25% of the usual stock this year. Even then, I'm uncertain if all of these will find buyers”.
