Kartik's Selfless Service During Durga Puja in Silchar
A Unique Role During Festivities
Satyabrata Bhattacharjee, known as Kartik, oversees the festive rush in Silchar during Durga Puja. (Photo Credit)
Silchar, Oct 20: Traditionally, Lord Kartik is portrayed alongside Goddess Durga and her divine companions in Durga Puja idols. However, in Silchar, a different Kartik takes on a unique festive responsibility.
As the crowds gather for Durga Puja, traffic in the city often comes to a standstill. Satyabrata Bhattacharjee, affectionately called Kartik, is not among those rushing from one pandal to another.
Instead, he dedicates his time to managing the festive traffic, ensuring that others can navigate the city with minimal delays.
Since 2018, Satyabrata, a Kanakpur Part II resident in his mid-30s, has volunteered with the Silchar Traffic Police.
During the Puja festivities, he typically spends his evenings from 6 PM to 9 PM directing traffic, contributing to a city that faces seasonal congestion.
“Puja is not solely about my joy; it’s about everyone’s joy,” he states, emphasizing that this belief motivates his efforts.
His inspiration stems from the teachings of his diksha guru, Swami Swarupananda, who encouraged him to utilize his free time for community service.
“I wanted to make a positive impact. There are numerous issues needing attention, and I felt I could help by managing traffic,” he explains.
He perceives no conflict between the essence of Durga Puja and assisting others in enjoying the celebrations without hassle.
Silchar’s narrow streets and the influx of vehicles can transform brief trips into frustrating delays, cutting into the time families wish to spend visiting pandals.
Satyabrata believes that improved compliance with traffic regulations and enhanced cooperation between drivers and traffic officials could significantly alleviate congestion.
His objective is straightforward: to facilitate smoother travel for commuters, minimizing unnecessary delays. He asserts that effective traffic management, paired with responsible driving, can enhance the festive experience.
However, volunteering is just one aspect of his daily life. Satyabrata also works at a local branch of the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited and has responsibilities at a temple. Balancing these roles with traffic management requires deliberate effort.
Despite a recent operation that temporarily interrupted his routine, his commitment to returning to the streets remains strong. He continues to contribute as his situation allows.
Satyabrata aspires to motivate others to engage with their communities and support local authorities in any capacity they can.
“Not everyone needs to launch a significant initiative to create change. Sometimes, dedicating a few hours to a public cause can be a meaningful start,” he remarks.
For Kartik, the true reward lies in helping others spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the festival. While many move from one pandal to another, he stays on the streets, assisting them in reaching their destinations.
This is his quiet way of celebrating Durga Puja—sacrificing some of his own festive enjoyment so that others can revel in theirs.