"Mahishasura Mardini" or "Chandi Path" (ode to Goddess Durga), booming in the immortal voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra at the crack of dawn on Mahalaya, has ushered in Devi Paksha or the fortnight of Durga Puja celebration in Bengal. The days counting to Puja are getting fewer and more frenzied. Festivities and gaiety are in the air for all Bengalis across the world. It's that time of the year when the non-resident Bengali yearns for the sights and smells of his/her homeland.
When the clouds clear up and the sun shines bright after monsoon, the first signs of Durga Puja approaching near are the swaying kaash phul in the autumnal breeze. The sweet scent of shiuli phul fills the air at night. Dawn starts getting a little nippy, and days a little shorter.
For Bengalis and those who worship the Supreme Goddess, this a time of faith being renewed, of ties being strengthened and of hope and goodwill being restored. No one can miss the bonhomie between two Bengalis at this time of the year, never mind if the rest of the year they were scratching each others' eyes out :). This is that time when we all become the children of our visiting Mother, and hosts of the divine family visiting the Earth for a few days.
We are on our best behaviour, welcoming guests, forgiving minor lapses, even enduring errant behaviour and absence of our helpers (after all don't they also deserve a break?). Our hearts open up to the surrounding festive fervour, and even die-hard pessimists try to cheer up. And of course, as the greatest carnival on earth comes near, we spruce, polish and makeover our selves and our houses. New wardrobes are bought, complete with ethnic wear, shoes, accessories, gadgets, what not.
Durga Puja time in Bengal is when festive fervour reaches a peak, and the city of Kolkata decks up like a bride. The smell of incense, the sound of the dhaak, and conch shells, the glitter of lights and decorations fill the air. Young, old, rich, poor, hearty, ailing, no one is untouched by the puja spirit.
Ma Durga, bless everyone with Your bounty, and shower Your blessing on each person alike. Remove the asura of darkness and evil from people's minds and let Joy and Harmony prevail.
Images from google.com
When the clouds clear up and the sun shines bright after monsoon, the first signs of Durga Puja approaching near are the swaying kaash phul in the autumnal breeze. The sweet scent of shiuli phul fills the air at night. Dawn starts getting a little nippy, and days a little shorter.
For Bengalis and those who worship the Supreme Goddess, this a time of faith being renewed, of ties being strengthened and of hope and goodwill being restored. No one can miss the bonhomie between two Bengalis at this time of the year, never mind if the rest of the year they were scratching each others' eyes out :). This is that time when we all become the children of our visiting Mother, and hosts of the divine family visiting the Earth for a few days.
We are on our best behaviour, welcoming guests, forgiving minor lapses, even enduring errant behaviour and absence of our helpers (after all don't they also deserve a break?). Our hearts open up to the surrounding festive fervour, and even die-hard pessimists try to cheer up. And of course, as the greatest carnival on earth comes near, we spruce, polish and makeover our selves and our houses. New wardrobes are bought, complete with ethnic wear, shoes, accessories, gadgets, what not.
Durga Puja time in Bengal is when festive fervour reaches a peak, and the city of Kolkata decks up like a bride. The smell of incense, the sound of the dhaak, and conch shells, the glitter of lights and decorations fill the air. Young, old, rich, poor, hearty, ailing, no one is untouched by the puja spirit.
Ma Durga, bless everyone with Your bounty, and shower Your blessing on each person alike. Remove the asura of darkness and evil from people's minds and let Joy and Harmony prevail.
Happy Durga Puja to everyone.
Images from google.com
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