FESTIVE SEASON

The festive season I feel, is very necessary. It breaks the monotony of our regular lives, and gives us something to look forward to throughout the year stuck in our mundane jobs. Time for get-togethers and merriment among cousins and relatives whom we harldy get to meet in our otherwise busy schedules..

It begins with "Mahalaya" (invoking of Goddess Durga) and ends with Bhai Dooj.

The mere mention of the festive season brings a smile to our faces.. One remembers the spirit of togetherness, meeting relatives, exchange of gifts and of course delicious food including "mooh meetha" or "meeshti mukh"

Starting with Durga Puja- the time of "anondo" and new clothes for Bengalis.. then the festival of lights - Deepawali.. One's spirits get energized looking at the bright diyas and candles.. not to mention the large amounts of "kaju burfee" and dry fruits!! And Kali Pujo synonymous with staying up late, catching up with old friends and having "bhog".

Bhai dooj - 2 days after diwali is the celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters in most parts of the country. This day is also synonymous with lots of sweets in addition to gifts, cash and meeting cousins, and loads of merriment..

I feel its great to have this whole season coming at a suitable time from weather point of view to enjoy and get rejuvenated for the rest of the year.

DURGA PUJA

Like every year, this year "PUJO" was an awaited affair.. Shopping, Getting ready, synchronizing what to wear with what jewellery etc was going on at full swing..

Then a thought crossed my mind - what makes Pujo so special??

Was it just the new clothes, and jewellery, and trying to look our best?? or was there more??

I had read an article a couple of years back by a girl who didn't like Durga Puja days that much as she felt there was more of showing off by women about their sarees and jewellery rather than concentrating on the Puja.

But I feel, its definitely more than that. Its a time for family and friends and now at this stage in life I can understand it more.. My Dad who more often stays out of Delhi comes every year so the whole family is together.. I get to meet old tution, school and college friends in person where nowadays interaction is mostly through orkut/facebook- remembering the good old times.. Getting to see people who rarely come out and catch up.. lots of nostalgia attached to it..

And of course, the eating out and the time where everyone splurges their "PUJO SAVINGS"..

I feel really lucky to be Bengali and be a part of this great tradition handed over by our forefathers..

Yes, maybe it has been modified a bit.. like instead of a single new pair of new clothes (like shown in Pather Panchali) we get several, and more of modern dressing rather than traditional.. But the basic spirit of togetherness and "anondo" is surely timeless and exquisite..

And it always ends on the note - "ASCHE BOCHOR AABAR HOBE!!" (Will Happen again next year)