Sat Sep 27 23:03:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
**Summary:**
The article highlights the unseen sacrifices and hard work of various individuals who enable the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. While millions revel in the festivities, workers like pandal artisans, tea sellers, police officers, medical staff, and others work tirelessly, often sacrificing sleep, family time, and even basic income security to ensure the smooth functioning of the festival. These individuals are often overlooked amidst the grandeur, yet their contributions are essential to the success of Durga Puja.
**News Article:**
**Behind the Glitz: The Unseen Faces Ensuring Kolkata’s Durga Puja Shines**
**Kolkata, September 28, 2025** – As Kolkata explodes in a kaleidoscope of color and celebration for Durga Puja, a crucial reality lurks behind the dazzling pandals and joyous throngs. While millions immerse themselves in the festivities, countless individuals work tirelessly, often sacrificing their own well-being, to keep the Puja running smoothly.
From the artisans meticulously crafting the elaborate pandals to the emergency medical staff on standby, these unsung heroes are the backbone of Kolkata’s grandest festival. Milan, a painter from Nandigram, worries about finishing his work and earning enough to bring festive treats home to his family. Jagdish Shaw, a tea seller, spends sleepless nights hoping to sell a few cups to pandal visitors but struggles to find customers.
Police officers, like Traffic Sergeant Ayan Gupta, work grueling shifts with minimal sleep, managing traffic and crowds, missing out on valuable time with their families. “For almost two weeks we work on four hours of sleep,” Gupta said. “The festivities are not the same for us.”
Even during the holiday, hospitals remain on high alert. Dr. Dhiman Kahali, a cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital, explained the dedication of medical professionals. “There have been puja evenings when multiple heart attack patients arrived one after another…While families and guests gather at home, many of us are absent.”
The article highlights how many individuals, from *dhaakis* (traditional drummers) and food industry workers to everyday laborers, contribute to the Puja’s success, even while facing economic hardship. This exposes a sobering reality: The very grandeur of Durga Puja relies on the unseen sacrifices of those who are often least able to participate in it. While Kolkata celebrates, it’s crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of these essential workers who ensure the festivities run without disruption.
First Piper 