In eastern India, the arrival of autumn marks the beginning of Durga Puja, a vibrant festival that brings together the tea community among others in joyous celebration. But amidst the colourful decorations and reverberating beats of the drum, a quieter narrative unfolds – one of tea transcending its role as a mere beverage to become a symbol of unity and harmony.
This is a story of how tea, in its humble yet profound way, bridges the gap between people of different faiths and religions, reminding us that even in our diversity, there is beauty in our shared humanity.
Like a well-brewed cup of tea, where the strength of the leaves mingles with the warmth of water, creating a perfect blend of flavour and comfort, Durga Puja celebration at the Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL) Staff Club in Assam’s Jorhat town has steeped over time into a rich tradition that binds people together.
The celebrations at the club — located between the historic Tocklai Tea Research Institute and Cinnamara Tea Estate — are not just about the triumph of good over evil, but an example of the power of tea as a unifying force.
Here, tea transcends its identity as a mere beverage, becoming a bridge that connects diverse communities, blending their traditions and beliefs into a shared celebration of life, culture, and history.
Durga Puja is one of the most popular celebrations in eastern India and tea garden workers like others Hindus keep up with the tradition of wearing new clothes and savouring delicious cuisine, which is an integral part of the festivities.
The tea garden authorities add to the celebrations by paying the yearly bonus to the workers just before the festival.
The devotees offer prayers to Maa Durga, the Hindu Goddess, an embodiment of feminine power and strength during the five- day long festivities. It is also a time for revelry, worship and community bonding.
What is so unique about this particular celebration at the ATCL Staff Club venue is the fact that tea binds all the participants irrespective of their different religious beliefs.
In fact, tea has served a greater purpose by breaking down cultural and religious barriers, uniting a diverse community.
Chitra Nath, a Christian, Karim Ahmed, a Muslim, Samar Baruah, a Buddhist and Happy Singh, a Sikh are believers of different faiths but tea has connected these individuals, like many others to mingle with the Hindus to celebrate the festival.
While most of the employees of Tocklai Tea research Institute, the world's largest and the oldest such facility, are associated with this particular puja, the others are in some way or the other connected to ATCL's Cinnamara Tea estate, the tea garden set up by freedom fighter and the first commercial tea planter in India, Maniram Dewan.
ATCL's zonal office is also built on Cinnamara tea estate’s land.
Maniram Dewan was hanged by the British for his role in the India’s freedom struggle; his body being cremated just behind the factory of Cinnamara tea estate.
History has it that Maniram Dewan had started two tea plantations - Cinnamara and Senglung - after he resigned from the post of a dewan, land agent and chief executive, of India's first tea company, the Assam Company. While Cinnamara tea estate still exists, Senglung got lost in time.
Cinnamara tea estate was confiscated by the British and auctioned off soon after the execution of Dewan in 1858. The estate was subsequently purchased by George Williamson tea company but the labourers loyal to Dewan refused to cooperate and the estate fell into bad times.
It changed hands and finally in 1972 was taken over by Assam Tea Corporation, a state owned tea company which was formed to revive sick tea estates in Assam. The company has 15 gardens at present, but none have managed to recover from their sickness till date though.
The ATCL staff Club, the venue of this particular puja celebration, was built sometime in the early 60s, when Cinnamara TE was under Jorehaut Tea Company, another British-era tea company in India.
"The club was constructed when I was about 5 years old, I studied at the Lower Primary School located adjacent to the club”, said Dilip Dutta, a retired engineer who is the oldest member of the celebration committee.
How tea has played a significant role in bridging gaps and fostering connection in the celebration of Durga Puja at this venue is the fact that it is also located just about a stone's throw distance from a Victorian era bungalow, the then official residence of the Superintendent of Jorehaut Tea Company, one of the oldest British era structures in Assam.
The building is presently the office of the Upper Assam commissioner and many employees are associated with the celebrations.
This is the 31st edition of the yearly puja at this venue and the members list of the puja committee has been growing every year. Just like a good cup of tea reveals its nuances and depth with each sip, the celebrations at the venue are getting more vibrant and enjoyable with each passing year.
The staff club was once abuzz with activities with workers holding regular get-togethers during the company's good times. While the Jorhat Gymkhana Club - another historical structure associated with tea, located nearby - was the famous watering hole for the tea executives (and still is), the staff club was the happening place for the workers.
However, the club was almost abandoned when the tea industry in Assam witnessed a recession and ATCL ran into its worst days during the 1990s when the company even failed to pay salaries to the workers.
As Durga Puja celebrates the victory of the good over bad, it is believed to be a victory for the abandoned structure as a few like-minded youths of the area, irrespective of their official affiliation to ATCL, floated the idea to transform the club into a venue for the colourful Durga Puja celebrations. With permission received from the authorities, it was in 1993 that the festival was celebrated for the first time at the venue. The transformation of the abandoned club into a vibrant celebration venue showcases a triumph of community spirit.
Much water has flown down the Tocklai stream -- located close to the venue and from which Tocklai Tea Research Institute got its name -- since then and the venue has turned into a place of acquaintances, tea, camaraderie and laughter (ATCL).
The puja committee has also installed a permanent platform to install the idol and the club house receiving a regular dash of whitewash to dress up for the occasion ever since.
Such has been the involvement of the people of greater Sadar area in this particular puja that the donation of the Durga idol has been booked till 2035 i.e. if anyone wants to donate the idol it has to be booked earlier.
Dulal Dutta, a senior member of the celebration committee said that the best part of the ATCL staff club puja is the fact that almost all are connected with Assam tea, irrespective of their different religious beliefs.
Dutta himself grew up at Cinnamara Tea Estate and is now associated with Tocklai. This time the Durga idol has been donated by Dutta‘s daughter, who works in Delhi. Although she has been staying in the national capital for a long time, she makes it a point to be a part of the celebrations every year.
Suresh Sharma, the president of the puja celebration committee, said that the people in the greater Sadar locality, are some way or the other are connected with tea and this ancient brew has managed to bind the youth of the area irrespective of religious beliefs.
"We should be thankful to this wonder beverage," he said.