This year after a long wait it was time for 'Devi Darshan', to see the Goddess with her four children( and daughter-in-law) again. It had been a long wait, literally, and I was a bit apprehensive too, as the family had already gone through a game with Covid and much more had happened in the family, and around during the pandemic. But then the excitement of normal celebrations once again was overpowering.
My area Pujas did not happen. Probably because they were too tight on budgets or probably everybody had suffered some kind of a set back. So we decided on the Pujas happening in Delhi.
Shashti was a working day for us . So couldn't make it to anywhere. I was telling the hubby how we would wear our new outfits from Shashti. We Bongs have this strange thing during Durga Pujo about new clothes, food, dance, musicals, and drama. Not that we lack these throughout the year, but during the festival it crosses all limits 😊. As kids we would stock on the best for Pujas. The ladies of the house would go Saree hunting, and all the matching paraphernalia to go with their many new sarees. The men were no less. There would be new 'silker dhuti-panjabi'(dhoti and kurta made of silk; the kurtas with intricate embroidery work), shirts, trousers, and different kurtas with the the latest 'in fashion' designs. The best would always be reserved for Ashtami evenings. I remember even perfumes and make up was bought for Pujas, everything had to be perfect to celebrate Maa Durga.
My Maa and Maasi (her sister) at times would buy similar things for both their girls, that's me and my cousin. We would feel so embarrassed. If it was a dress material, both of us would painstakingly decide what we would get stitched( it need not be similar ever). If I got a dress, she would get a kurta of it or something else. We would make a calendar and see to it that both of us never wore anything similar, to be termed as 'band-party' together. Today it brings a smile to my lips thinking of those simple times.
This time around I didn't get much. Just a couple of things for the boys and us. This year I didn't see that excitement of the old times amongst people. The decorations and pandals weren't grand. At the places I visited even the idol was of shorter height. There were no stalls inside or outside. The Pujo committees did observe strict Covid protocols.
We had our dinners out and enjoyed as the family outings were really missed a lot. We couldn't have Bhog as we were a little away, but we enjoyed khichuri, begun bhaja, labra, and paayesh at home. I am a reasonably good cook!
On Navami morning we did the Kanjak pooja and evenings were for Durga Pujo as usual. But we returned home early after an early dinner. I wish the normal times return soon and there is the same gaiety, happiness and joy in the celebrations like that of the bygone years.
Dashmi/Dusshehra is visarjan day. The Goddess along with her children leaves for her home, and is given a warm send off. The idols taken for immersion in the water bodies nearby later. When the boys were little they would go for Ravan dahan(burning down of the Ravana effigy, along with those of his brother and son). But from the past two-three years they don't. I do not go for visarjan at the river bank. Just go for the visarjan ritual that happens in the morning wherein you are made to see the feet of the Goddess pass over water with the help of a mirror amid the chants of mantras. It is an experience and I love it. The ritual of sindoor khela in the evening binds each one of us women, with a colourful thread of hope, of femininity, stark red, yet so vibrant as we see off the Mother, with a promise, that we will see her the coming year again.
This year though I had to give these a miss, but my quota of mishti(sweets) was brought. They were offered to the Gods and then there was an evening feast for the family.
Our country has this rich tradition and culture which comes out so beautifully in the form of these festivals. Coming up soon is Kojagori Lokhkhi (Lakshmi) pujo, that falls on the fifth day post Dussehra, on Sharad poornima. On the eight day is Karwa Chauth, the day of beautiful women and their spouses .
More festivals follow. I shall try to keep you posted about the celebrations at home. A happy festive season to you all !
©®Madhumita
No comments:
Post a Comment