Ma Durga is here again

Being a bengali, Durga Puja holds a special place in my heart. I may not have celebrated the only grand festival we ‘bongs’ have in the right order. By that, I mean observing the five days and eating ‘a’ particular food preparation, offering anjali ( a ritual of offering flowers to the goddess by fasting) etc. But I certainly and patiently wait for this autumn festival and celebrate it in my own way. I make it a point to visit a puja pandal to see ‘Ma’ arrive to bless everyone who asks for it. I live the excitement and fun of these five days by reading about the festivities back home and hearing about the cultural programmes, the idol, the decorations, the exquisite sarees and food served at the pandals from my mom.

As far as I can remember it has always been an entertaining period for me. The bonding with extended family, beautiful gifts, the anticipation, choosing the various clothes for all the five days, dressing up, deciding what cultural programmes to watch, and gorging on the mouth-watering treats it all has been memorable and fun.

Since the time I’ve been away from India, Durga puja has only been a festival that I mark in my diary and look for the nearby puja being held. Having said that once I’m inside the pandal it’s like being teleported to Mumbai / India. It carries the same fervour and exhilaration of a puja staged back home. People are speaking the same language, smiling as you pass by, occasionally striking up a conversation and serving awesome food. It makes up for the whole year being away from home putting a big smile on your face and a stamp of happiness in your heart.

This is also the one time when I realise how much mom and dad miss us ( my sister and me). Not that it was ever explicitly mentioned but ever so subtly that only a child can hear and fathom it.

Happy Durga Puja and Shubho Bijaya.

May Ma Durga bless you all!

Pic courtesy: Clicked at the local pujo