Subho Poojo

Subho Mahalaya To all my friends.

The Durga Pooja in kolkata experience, began in '84 when I came to stay here from Mumbai. Durga Pooja in Ultadanga's Maniktala Housing Estate is one of those unforgettable occassions .In later years, v came down for the Pooja vacations from various places of Mr Hubby's postings. Our family came together to celebrate Bengal's most beloved festival at the estate where my in laws lived. Durga pooja preparations starts months before the festival. New clothes for all, gifts for family members and relatives living all over India are to be bought and preparations to travel have to be made and the excitement is filled in the air. Durga Pooja is a perfect time to have a blast.

                          Mona Chatterji in red and white traditional saree offering Pooja to the Goddess

In the estate children and adults both engage themselves in a lot of cultural and social activities and hone their skills through rigorous rehearsals which culminate in performances during the variety cultural programs in the evenings. New families who moved into the estate are welcomed with open arms and those who have left return to enjoy with old friends. The pooja pandal is decorated elegantly. All buildings wear the cloak of lights. Ma is welcomed into everyone's life from Mahalaya with the beat of the Dhak.  

In the mornings, all families come to offer " Pushpanjali " in their new finery. After that, the ladies and children sit together to exchange Pooja stories and chat happily. Every afternoon all sit together in the make-shift temporary structure made for this purpose to have " Bhog Prosad". Each day Mother is offered different bhog. The sense of sharing is seen as everyone sits together to have their meals. The Maha Astami bhog is elaborate and looked forward to by all. Special care is taken of those seniors who can not be present, the bhog is packed and delivered to them so that they do not feel left out.

Aarti

Lights and sparkle for four days , make everyone's face light up. The air is charged with the magic of  the Pooja's. Ek Chala Durga Protima in dak er saaj is the highlight of the estates Pooja. From having Bhog to enjoying cultural programs in the evenings together, Durga Puja is celebrated with great pomp with the play of dhakis and Bengali music.

Dhunuchi Naach

After four fun filled days, on Dosomi , Durga Bishorjon is a special occasion. Ma Durga is bid farewell from her maternal home with sorrow and heavy hearts. Sindur Khela is a must and Ma is given a grand farewell with sweets, aarti and the blowing of conch shells .The joy's of Durga Pooja can only be enjoyed in Bengal and so I would invite all my friends who are not here, to visit Bengal and experience this at least once.

Subho Poojo !!