SHILLONG: The drums may stop, the lights may fade and the crowds may move on, but the streets we leave behind tell the real story of our celebrations. During the Durga Puja Visarjan processions taken out by over 60 Durga Puja committees in Shillong, the call to ‘Do not litter, Keep Shillong clean’ was loud and clear, yet discarded plastic water bottles and chips wrappers on the streets told a different story. Amid the devotion, dhunuchi naach and free-style dancing that filled the streets as devotees bid farewell to Goddess Durga, Hatath Colony Durga Puja Committee chose to turn the message of cleanliness into action.
While several committees were seen leaving litter behind, Hatath Colony showed that celebrating with all your heart and caring for your city can go hand in hand. Its approach carried a simple but powerful message: the true spirit of a celebration is reflected not only in the joy people share, but also in the responsibility they show towards the city they call home.
The committee followed a zero-littering policy throughout its Visarjan procession, carrying garbage bags and collecting used plastic water bottles, chips wrappers and other waste before putting them into designated waste collection bags. Members danced freely, performed dhunuchi naach and immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere without turning the streets into a dumping ground. There was no grand campaign or lengthy lecture on civic responsibility; their actions spoke for themselves. The committee demonstrated that people can celebrate, dance, sing and enjoy themselves without leaving behind a mess for others to clean up. In a city shared by everyone, keeping public spaces clean cannot be left to sanitation workers alone. It begins with every individual who uses those streets and every committee that brings people together for a public celebration.
What made the committee’s effort even more meaningful was its discipline throughout the procession. Members followed the instructions given to them and did not indulge in arguments, showing that responsible celebrations need not come at the cost of fun, devotion or enthusiasm. As Shillong reflects on the litter left behind during the festivities, Hatath Colony’s example offers a lesson that extends beyond Durga Puja: loving a city means caring for it even after the celebrations are over.
The Visarjan procession may mark a farewell to Goddess Durga, but it should not leave the city with another burden to bear. Dance your heart out, perform dhunuchi naach with devotion and celebrate with all your energy — but when the music stops, leave the streets clean. Because the real beauty of a celebration lies not only in how brightly we celebrate, but in how thoughtfully we leave our city behind.
