This year, the Diwali festivities in many parts of Gajapati district remained overshadowed by the human plight brought in by the Cyclone Hudhud recently.
While the economic backbone of thousands of families has been broken due to damages caused by Hudhud, people particularly in villages took little interest to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Rajib Parichha, a 45-year-old farmer of Rangamatia who had kept Rs2,000 to buy firecrackers for his children, said he would now use the money for reconstruction of his houses and seeds for the coming crop season. Another farmer of the village said, “Diwali used to be a huge festival for us. All my children constantly enjoy the day by bursting crackers. This year, I do not have anything on my hand. I am literally on the road,” he said, informing that villagers received some dry food from one NGO only recently.