She's Arrived :)

A couple of days back I fought with my parents. For various reasons. And told them I will not join them in Calcutta for Durga Pujo if they don’t let me go to Bombay to meet Johnnie before he finally flies for UK. BUT the dhak beckons. The dhunuchi naach invites. Ma-er mukh leads me to Her. With authority. And I’m NOT going to miss it for anything.

This is ONE time when the agnostic me surrenders completely.

I’ve knelt, bowed and prayed before numerous Durga idols, BUT there’s this thing about Durga Pujo in Calcutta. Hands down- IT’S KICKASS. It’s true of any festival, just like Chhath is best in Bihar, Onam in Kerala and Pongal in Tamilnadu; Durga Pujo is the MOST beautiful in Calcutta. There’s so much magnificence, so much colour, so much faith. Under that effervescent smoke of the dhunuchi the world somehow seems so much clearer. The sound of the dhak sends you into a trance and in a very unique way, humbles you. The Dhunuchi Naach, according to me, is the world’s most graceful dance men ever danced. In honor of a woman. And NOTHING beats the ceremonious lighting of the 108 diyas. And when the air is filled with the sweet smell of the flowers used for the Pushpanjali you just wish, the aroma lingered…for a little longer..

I love it when married women play the sindoor khela. It’s amazing how a pinch of Vermilion signifies the sanctity of the relationship between a husband and a wife. The white saree with the lal border and huge bindis. G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S. That is when you are reminded of the shakti they’re bestowed with. The shakti that gives birth, that nurtures, that protects. And in ways inexplicable those gorgeous smiles add to Her authority. Her beauty. Her dignity.

Robindra Shongeet recitals in the evenings is something I’m dying to watch. The portrayal of Sita in Thakur’s own words is a must.

Like every year, this year, I will pray with ALL my heart. For men all over the world to realize what it takes to be a Woman and how to RESPECT womanhood. To give power to all the women in the world. Let them realize the power of 'I'.

I am Durga.

More from Calcutta..later..till then Shubho Bijoya :)


PS: Did I forget(??) food??? Pandal hopping can leave you salivating and so, Durga Pujo is NEVER complete without food!Be it the Prasad, the richly flavoured daal, the seasoned mangsho, the spicy Khichuri or simply a platter of mishti. Oh-yum-DELICIOUS! :D

PPS: This is bringing out a lovely colour in me! (smug) :D