Durga Puja in Kolkata

Bengal's favourite festival, Durga Puja is just over. In Kolkata this time, it was spread over a week instead of the regular 3-4 days. An outburst of celebration and gaiety marked the festival in the city. It was as if everyone was determined to have a good time, and cock a snook at sadness, despair and hopelessness.

Which is not such a bad thing really. Festivals are after all meant to spread joy and cheer.

Except that the gaiety came across sometimes as forced and overpowering. Microphones blaring, people thronging the streets, incessant sales and buying sprees and in-your-face celebrating, at times it was rather irritating. The media played its role in creating a feverish pitch and hype, with emphasis on how much you plan to indulge yourself during the festival. What? You are not planning to let go of all routine and normal work? You have not bought at least twenty sets of clothes, shoes and accessories to deck yourself to the T? You have not undergone cosmetic makeovers prior to the festivals? You are not planning to throng the "in" puja pandals? Tch, tch, then your entire life is a waste. What a wimp you are!

The spirit of the festival sometimes took a beating in all this fun and entertainment. No one spared a thought for the old and infirm, or those unfortunate enough not to be able to afford enjoying. What about those grieving the loss of a dear one, or those whose near ones were far away? Celebrations are fine, but for those in grief these very celebrations become jarring.

Where has the sensitivity, Kolkata was noted for, disappeared? Ma give it back, please...

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