It’s no pandal, no idols and no rituals once again for the posh Circuit House Area of Jamshedpur. For the second consecutive year, the Northern Town and Circuit House Area Durga Puja Committee has decided to skip the festivities due to the pandemic. “We in consultation with our members have decided against holding any community Durga Puja this year too. We consider it as Goddess Durga’s wish for people to stay safe,” said a notice issued by the puja committee on Wednesday. The arch-shaped Durga Puja pandal at the Circuit House Area ground is a favourite meeting place for the affluent and VIPs. It is also known for its bhog and cultural programmes like plays, the traditional dhunuchi naach and other musical extravaganza. Joint secretary of the committee, Umesh Dubey said, “We want people to stay safe and avoid going to mass gatherings. Pandal hoppers, especially all VIPs make it a point to visit our Puja. Apprehending a rush, we have decided to skip this year's Puja too.”

Blast from the past: Dhakis at the community puja at the Circuit House Area ground organised by Northern Town and Circuit House Area Durga Puja Committee in 2019. File Picture by Bhola Prasad

According to him, the community Durga Puja at the Circuit House ground is being organised ever since its inception in 1947.

This is the 74th year. It is one of the oldest pujas of steel city which draws a huge crowd.

Local residents were disappointed, with the organisers giving it a miss.

“Every year I along with my family spent considerable amount of time at the Circuit House Area Puja which provides a perfect ambience. We chat with our friends and enjoy the cultural shows. Last year we missed the Puja because of the pandemic. This year too we are disappointed to know that the organisers have taken a decision to skip the Puja,” said Aniruddh Lahiri, a businessman who stays at the Circuit House Area.