The way often used by me to invigorate myself when I am bogged down is, dreaming of anything joyful which is imminent to happen in the time to come.Being a Bengali or more stylishly a Bong,the occasion of Durga Puja can be the perfect nominee for such a craving.With less than a month left, the thoughts of merriment have already started flirting the mind.The wide blue sky, the wisp of autumn freshness and the enchanting vibrancy of dhaaks mingling with daily chores of life symbolizes the homecoming of Maa Durga. Preparations have begun and this preparative engagement is fun in itself. Flashing pujo sales,overcrowded malls, people enthusiastically shopping and coming out with bags full of new bought dresses are scenes which mark the liveliness of the festive season. Durga Puja preparation calls for the latest trends in fashion wear,designer clothes and the trendiest footwear.The atmosphere remains surcharged with fun and gaiety.
While moving through the city, the site of numerous Pandals being raised up by skilled workers catches attention and a spark of joy creeps into one's heart. Happiness fills the body and one patiently awaits the arrival of Durga Puja.
Sarat sakal, Himer hawa
Anmone tai hariye jawa,
Kashful r Dhaker tale
Siuli nache dale dale,
Maa Eseche bachor ghure...!
Pujor hawa jagat jure...
Durga Puja commences with Mahalaya.Bengalis traditionally wake up before dawn on Mahalaya morning to listen to enchanting and captivating voices reciting hymns from the scriptures of the Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi. The day is usually a holiday and so are the other important days of the Puja. In case it isn't, then a true Bengali does his best to budge anyone in bid to get holidays for those few priceless days. The festivity and its atmosphere is worth holidaying for everyone.
As the countdown (be it in one's mind or that shown on Bengali channels) approaches an end, Bengalis gear themselves up for the much awaited 4 days- Sashti, Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami. Be it special supplementary magazines showcasing Durga Puja or be it those gentle touches of Pujo on news channels and TVserials; all are good enough to gently remind of the approaching gaiety.
With all shopping done and plans chalked out finally Durga Puja arrives. Sashti is the day when Goddess Durga arrives. The day starts early with a morning bath followed by prayers called Pushpanjali at the local pandal. Sitting at the pandal and seeing others offer their prayers and gossiping with friends is one thing which everyone rejoices. And at the same time one cannot resist his/her own eyes from frequently getting attracted by the glittering,beautiful idol of Maa Durga and ask for her blessings from deep inside the heart.
The city takes a different look during the Pujo days, especially at night. Millions of people come to the city and line up before the pandals. Pandal-hopping is the essence of the festival. The city is gorgeously lighted. Beautiful formations of jhalar, tuni lights are laid, some of which present well thought of depictions. These catch the attention of the populace and make the city glitter ostentatiously. Pandals are countless and many like me spend the whole night hopping pandals. This obviously is in accordance to one's stamina. Many opt for a vehicle but my experience says that it’s easier to cover any distance on the overcrowded streets by walking (like thousand others).
Food has always been close to a Bengali's heart and Puja days are best to explore the luring street food of Calcutta. Normal restaurants are packed and also the numerous temporary food stalls opened by locals around pandals are also a hit, providing the owners a good, quick income. Puchkaas, chowmein, egg roll, ohh its already watering my mouth!!
The most catching site after Maa Durga is her creations. That means us. On occasion of Puja everyone daubs his/her new bought clothes. Sparing a minute and keenly observing the colorful, intricately designed sarees, kurtas, pyajamas and other trendy dresses worn by people can be good fun. Attire of most look beautiful but there are always some whom you can find too garish or exhibiting a peculiar, funny dressing style. Both in either case it’s the vigor and liveliness of the person which needs to be acknowledged. Isn't it??
Special trains, buses are available 24 hours to provide scores of people comfortable conveyance. Underground metro rail runs beyond regular schedule.
The overall scene of the city is-people roaming, traffic flowing, streets wrapped in decorations and crowd flocking the beautiful pandals!! All these make the city buoyant and vibrant to one's delight. The overflowing happiness is evident and one only draws more of it from the divinity of the occasion and the atmosphere around.To say the city doesn't sleep for a moment on those Pujo days wouldn't be incorrect.
Durga Puja and not talking about pandals will be a big injustice. The pandal is the adobe of Maa Durga. While some of them are simple structures, others are often elaborate works of art with themes that rely heavily on history, current affairs and sometimes on pure imagination. The pandals are of diverse kinds. Some are made of simple made from attractive cloths while some are made of match sticks, hay, bottles, etc., which are results of great imagination and hard work. Various prizes sponsored by channels and different organizations for best pandal decorations are also at stake. This inspires and motivates the Puja committees to come up with something different and beautiful every year! These pandals clamour for admiration and praise of the populace. Goddess Durga's idol is what draws reverence and prayers from all. Intricately sculpted idols made by hardworking, talented craftsmen bring life to the idol and are worth appreciation and piousness.
Time flies when one sits at his local('paara's) pandal. Dancing on dhaak beats, gupshuping, seeing kids play(sometimes funnily with the mic), offering prayers or be it enjoying fun activities like quiz, singing, dhonuchi naach...There is no dull moment out there. On Ashtami we embrace Goddesses’ bhog. Khichidi deliciously made is incomparable to any other spicy food and is out of the world to eat. Anyways whatever is the menu it is Maa Durga's bhog and most importantly is food to eat.
In all the happiness and fun one doesn't realize when the three days pass by. Dashmi, the last day is when Goddess leaves us. Although being saddening, people dance to the tunes of dhaak while their procession reaches the place of immersion. With shouting voices of 'Asche bochor abar asbe'(meaning Goddess will again come next year) the wait for next year's Durga Puja starts.
Maa Durga is the Goddess of divine power against all evils. Not just worshipping but also reflecting the same respect to all women in real life is what is required.This is the true and ultimate form of reverence to Goddess Durga!!
