JAMSHEDPUR: The demand for Dhakis has witnessed a drastic decline in Jamshedpur, which organizes one of the biggest durga pujas in Jharkhand, because the funds dry out due to a pandemic.
Some Puja Samitis has hired Dhakis half the strength of what they do in the pre-covid period.
“Keep compliance with the Covid protocol, Samitis Puja only employs a vaccinated Dhakis so that the number is reduced this year,” said Kendriya Durga Puja Samiti, Secretary, Arun Singh.
North Zone Pejamin Durga Puja Samiti, Anjan Sarkar said that unlike previous years, some Samitis Puja had reduced the power of Dhakis to fulfill the ceiling of the “25 people” in Puja Pandal.
“This year, Durga Puja is held in a trimmed manner in accordance with the guidelines therefore there is a way in several fronts,” Sarkar added.
A volunteer of the Durga committee is said that fundraising has fallen substantially this year because the costs have also been hit.
“To hire Dhakis with full strength, Puja Samisis must pay Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for three days for a group of six people.
Lack of funds is one reason why fewer Dhakis is employed at this time,” said Volunteers Durga Puja Tengah who asked for anonymity.
A large number of Dhakis, who had arrived in the city, were disappointed because they did not get reservations.
“Puja Samitis is used to contact us the day before the start of the festival, but this year we have voluntarily arrived here looking for clients,” Kalipado Patro said 52 years old.
Drummer from Narayangj in Dighha, West Bengal, has arrived with his team at Jamshedpur to work.
Likewise, Shaktipado Bhuiyan, 46, who came from Kapista in Bankura, West Bengal, camping at Tananagar train station on Sunday hopes for reservations.
“Some Puja Samitis has contacted us, but they offer Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 for four days.
This is a small amount for a group of four people,” Bhuiyan said.
Dhakis said that during the pre-covid period, 1,200 plus Dhakis was used to get a booking in Pandal Paja in the steel city.
Some Puja Samisis communities in the housing complex are also used to rent Dhakis.
Niranjan Mohanty, a software engineer, said that compromise on Dhakis will take a sheen from the celebration.