Mail News Service
Saraikela, Oct 5: Formerly a princely state, Saraikela continues to nurture traditional values. The former rulers laid special attention to cultural promotion. The traditional dance form Paika was literally born in the king�s courtyard. As far as the story goes, the king�s soldiers, Paiks, conceptualized a form of entertainment which they perfected through the years and came to be known as Paika dance which is as popular as the traditional Chhou.
Similarly the worship of Divine Mother Durga continues to follow tradition. The king used to commence celebrations by performing the Goddess� worship and then giving the permission to start Durgotsav. This year was no different. The current descendent Raja Pratap Aditya Singh Dev officially gave the traditional assent for commencement of Durgotsav in Saraikela.
What started as Durga Puja in the king�s court premises a century or more earlier has expanded multifold through the passing years and phases of growing development, communities, residential areas and of course, population. Today there are Durga Puja Mandaps galore with each Puja committee and club vying to grab public attention. People from across community, social and economic borders flock in large numbers to attractively decorated pandals big and not so big to enjoy and spread the unbound joy that permeates at such festive times.
Old timer Jiten Sardar said, �The excitement was there even 60 years ago and it is there today too. The difference lies in the concept of joy and celebration of changing generations. It was simpler then with each person knowing everyone else. We kept watch over children for they were treated as our own. Things were cheaper then and life style was simple. We were satisfied with whatever we had. But today, newer fashion, newer trends are in vogue. The excitement is the same but the pulse is different.�
Senior school girl Nandini Majhi was happily flouting her designer salwar kurta that suited her too. She was excited and in a hurry to join her mates who had walked slightly ahead. Stopped for a chat, Nandini exclaimed hurriedly, �We look forward to Durga Puja eagerly. Relatives and acquaintances come over for annual visits making for exciting days. We enjoy Durga Puja in Saraikela. There are so many pandals to be seen, so many cultural events to be attended. The decorations are wonderful. We love it.� She rushed off to join her �gang.�
Yes, times have changed but not necessarily taken its toll. The culture of bonhomie continues to be nurtured. The crowds have swelled and the spirit of Durgotsav is reflected on many more faces. The dark thoughts of failed crops, making both ends meet and other forms of despair attached to daily living disappear with the Mother�s appearance amidst Her mortal children.
