Dhanteras

The month of October in India is known to the month of festivals. These festivals begun with the arrival of ‘Navratra’s’ and go on till the celebrations of Lohri festival. Sharad Navratra’s are also known for famous ‘Durga Puja’ festivals celebrated with religious fervor and joy across the Bengal, particularly by Bengali community. Navratri’s conclude with the celebration of Dussehra which is followed by the biggest festival of India known as “Diwali,” after twenty days. Two days before ‘Diwali’, another festival is celebrated across the country which is known as ‘Dhanteras’, and is said to be related to the wealth of the people. However on ‘Diwali’ The Goddess ‘Laxmi’ (wealth) is worshiped but on Dhanteras people according to the centuries old tradition believe that to purchase any domestic item brings wealth to the family. Initially the purchase was associated with the domestic items but, with the arrival of consumerism it soon shifted to gold and jewelry purchasing. Many rich people, particularly women, make it a point that ornaments made of gold must be purchased on this festival, as it is a good sign for the coming days of the family. But there is big number of people, who are unable to purchase gold and jewelry even for the marriage of their children, satisfy themselves by purchasing something new for the kitchen, like utensils and also electric gadgets for the home There is another category in the society which celebrates this festival by just purchasing a small utensil for their kitchen and also there are many who are unable to go for any kind of purchasing. But during the last few years many people have come in the category of the last two sections of the society. Purchase a utensil and keep smiling or avoid purchasing because pocket remuneration at the same rate which were applicable in 2014 and have not been enhanced till 2021, while the cost of living has crossed all its limits. Unemployment rate is rising like the price of petroleum products and LPG, purchasing power of the common man on the other side is decreasing with the speed of price rise. In such circumstances the festivals are also losing their charm and enthusiasm. But ironically nothing is being done till now to improve the economical condition of the common man. Instead of providing any relief, more burdens of taxes and levies are being put on the weak shoulders of the common man. He is unable to understand why the government has become so harsh and insensitive towards the miseries of the poor.