Vishwakarma Puja is only four days away but signs of festivity are few and far between at Adityapur industrial area in Seraikela-Kharsawan.
Hit by the worst-ever slump in 21 years, the automobile ancillary hub with 1,200-odd micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) has no budget for high-octane celebrations for this year’s Vishwakarma Puja on September 17.
Around 70 per cent of ancillary units supply spares to carmaker Tata Motors, which has seen many block closures this year. The auto major will have two more block closures on September 14 and 18.
Santosh Khetan, general secretary of Adityapur Small Industries’ Association, said it was not only Tata Motors, the entire auto sector is going through a slump. “In 2008 and 2013 too, the mood was similarly bleak in the industrial area. It is tough to predict when the things will look up,” he said.
The divine architect in Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma’s worship in the industrial hub has traditionally been very joyous, not to say opulent.
Most industrial units organise Vishwakarma Puja on their units. In good years, expensive illuminations and feasting are de rigueur.
This year, though pujas will be held at the units, celebrations will be low-key, say organisers. “If people are not buying cars, where’s the money to celebrate?” asked a worker, adding it was a blow to workers and their families who look forward to this the entire year. “During good times, there’s great food and sweet packets for all. In a bad year, our maliks (industrialists) don’t spend money on these things.”
An executive at one of the ancillary units said the mood was sombre.
“The automobile sector is going through a critical phase. There are frequent block closures (at Tata Motors and subsidiary units). So ancillary units are bleeding. Vishwakarma Puja will be a low-key affair due to tight cost control at industrial units,” he said. “It’s true that workers will be disappointed. They really look forward to the festivities,” he added.
Aloke Chaudhary, an industrial unit owner, said things were hard. “Adityapur industrial area usually bustles with activities on Vishwakarma Puja, planning starts much in advance. But expensive decorations and pomp will be missing this year,” he said.
Old-timers recalled the glory days. Former functionary of ASIA Gurudas Ray recalled the splendours of Vishwakarma Puja. “It was like a huge mela with workers from all communities and their families joining the fun. Those days are gone.”