Diwali was a low key affair for the people of Mayurbhanj — devastated by cyclone and floods – like many other districts hit by the twin disasters last month.
Every year, people of the district celebrate Diwali and Kalipuja for at least three days, but this year, many blocks including Baripada, Udala, Kaptipada, Banmgriposi, Bisoi, Rairangpur, Karanjis, Joshipur, Chitrada, Morada, Betnoti and Baisinga witnessed a dark Diwali owing to the huge losses caused by the natural calamity.
In rural areas, during the Kalipuja, people used to worship the Goddess praying for health, wealth and happiness for the entire year. But this year, due to the rising prices of almost all essential commodities caused by the disaster people were unable to celebrate the festival.
Instead, people were seen thronging block offices to urge the BDOs to provide relief materials and running from pillar to post to get financial assistance to stand on their feet and repair their damaged houses.
Also, allegations against BDOs ran thick and fast in many blocks about non-distribution of relief materials among the victims in blocks including Shamakhuta, Badsahi, Bangriposit, Baripada and Baripada Municipality.