Hazare and Hanuman add zing to Durga Puja

The dizzying inflation has failed to dampen the spirit of Durga Puja festivities in Assam.

In capital Guwahati, puja organisers have outdone themselves and their efforts are visible in the opulent and colourful puja pandals across the city.

Reportage: Anurag Kashyap in Guwahati

While the puja pandal at Beltola Lakshmi Mandir recreates the ambience of a forest, a 25-feet Hanuman greets visitors at the New Guwahati Railway Colony puja pandal.

Even activist Anna Hazare finds a place at the main puja pandal in Bongaigaon.

"We just wanted to be the best," said one of the organisers of the Fancy Bazar Durga Puja.

But the spiralling prices of essential commodities is pinching the pockets of many people, who blame inflation for spoiling all the fun of their favourite puja.

"The puja festivities are not for us but for rich people. With prices of essentials items and edible commodities skyrocketing, people like me can't even afford sufficient quantities of vegetables and pulses for my family. Where is the money to buy new clothes for my two children," said Siddharth Barua, who works in a private construction company.

On the other hand, it is a gala time for car dealers and jewellers in Guwahati as the demand for new vehicles and jewellery peaks during the festive season, even in the time of recession.