October fest begins

Few more days to go...exactly three weeks from Ma Durga's arrival.

MA ASHCHEN; DURGA PUJA AT BHANDARHATI, BURDWAN

My post dated September 21 was about Pujor Gondho.

Besides Kaash ful and Sheuli Ful, there are some more indicators for the festive season. The ones which are buzzing in my head are

A look at the sky ~

Clear with specks of clouds here and there. No threats of a heavy downpour which might dampen our pre-puja spirit. Brilliant sunshine which can get a bit uncomfortable. For the unfortunate ones in Kolkata its hot and humid. But we don't miss out on our sarees and accessories. We make it up on the blouses though. Daring necklines, sheer material, peek-a-boo straps, pearl-studded blouses, backless cholis and many such variety. Let me see if I can catch hold of some 'daring' pics this Pujo!!

Pre-puja Sale ~

July-August are the months of stock clearance before the fresh Puja stock come in and the best time to start your pujo shopping. Most of us can be seen rushing to the malls to splurge. Three weeks away and people are still buying. Tailors are refusing to take in any more orders. Such is the rush that I get my stuff from tailor 'dada' only on the Shoshthi night! And not to miss the traffic snarls. They get longer and irksome as Puja draws nearer. No matter how many volunteers are there on the roads, they still get clogged with traffic and pedestrians who try to cross the roads from every possible angle.

Pujo Offers~

RECKONER FOR OCTOBER

Wide range of offers on household appliances, furniture encouraging people to give their homes a new look. And who doesn’t want a fresh, new look in their house? I remember Ma would always get beautiful curtains for the Pujo and the house would look great.

Pujo Special~

For the wanderlusts, Bartaman magazine comes out with a special section from May-June featuring Pujo special travel. Detailed information on various tourist destinations are regularly featured  in this weekly magazine. A must read for all those planning to travel during Pujo holidays.

Pujo Cultural Fest~

As the countdown comes closer to the date, one can hear rehearsals for Pujo programmes around. Every club/housing complex organizes cultural programmes during the three days. 

Pujo Pandals~

Huge bill boards in every corner of the city announcing the theme of the Pujo pandal, the artist and the awards that the particular puja has won in the last few years. And this is quite an art. The theme is usually written in the form of a poem. One of my favourite pass time is travelling around Kolkata and capturing these themes on my camera. Its an art in itself which I don't think one gets to see anywhere else in India.  

 

If you have some more 'indicators' in your mind please do not hesitate to put them down. And I will add them with due credit to you. 

Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!