festivals of india

for whom the decibel tolls

2005-10-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Diwali is known the World over as the Festivals of Lights – in far off Britain’s East Midlands, the Indian population puts up a fantastic display every year. More on Diwali in the East Midlands are available here -

http://www.visitbritain.com/VB3-en-US/experiences/cities/focus_on/diwali.aspx

In Johannesburg - http://www.biz-community.com/Snippet/196/40/2549.html

In Australia - http://staff.anu.edu.au/Billboard/show_news.asp?nid=511

In New York - https://host358.ipowerweb.com/~spandayo/diwali.html

In Tokyo - http://www.manicat.org/main.html

In India also, it has permeated into each and every corner of the country – houses are decorated with garland of tiny bulbs, fairy lanterns appear on the porch and the balcony, and people go on a shopping spree. Once it used to be a festival of North Indians when people are supposed to stay awake all night through and send prayers to Goddess Lakshmi to bless their homes. Gambling used to be one of the methods employed to stay awake! Today, with no separate identity of North Indian or South Indian, with Bangaloreans at ease in Kolkata and Malayalees relishing the tandoori rotis and sarson-di-saag in Jullunder, and Sardarjis doing roaring business in automobile spares way down in Trivandrum, it is but natural that Diwali be celebrated with equal gusto all over the country. Paying of bonus has become mandatory for employers and the amount of bonus is one of the yardsticks by which one separates the chaff from the wheat – those employed in private organisations get more than average packages. As a result, business houses rise to the occasion. They work out strategies to lighten the burden of so many additional rupees and mop them up by offering attractive discounts and repayment terms to woo the customer. Gifts are exchanged – gold and silver being the preferred metals – it is considered auspicious to purchase these precious metals during Diwali.

And – of course, fireworks are an integral part of the celebrations. Innocent products like sparklers, flower pots, and charkis find very few takers. Each and every one wants to be heard – firecrackers and bombs rule the night. No one seems to spare a thought for sick persons in the neighborhood or heart patients, whose palpitations increase with each loud explosion, snatching away hours from their lives. The authorities specify certain norms of the level of decibels but, who cares. Gift packed dry fruits or beautifully decorated baskets of branded sweets have a magic of their own - their recipients often look the other way when such goodies change hands.

another interesting link –

amaar duniya

adieu ma durga 2005

2005-10-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

All good things must come to an end – no one will dispute this basic logic of life. With each passing year, we mature and keep adding to out treasure house of knowledge tiny tit bits that come to our rescue once in a while. Wise men have said that knowledge never goes waste, only one must get the opportunity to bask in the warmth of one’s acquisitions. By the same logic, Goddess Durga has, by now, returned to her abode in the mountains of Kailash and must be sharing her new found knowledge with Lord Shiva. In this age of laptops, internet, mobile phones and SMS, Ma Durga must have called upon her daughter Saraswati to enlighten the Lord on various aspects of modern day celebrations.

Festivals like the Durga Puja opens up innumerable doors of possibilities to those who are aware of the tricks of the trade. Once upon a time, during the Puja shopping spree, it was but natural that the children drag their parents to bookshops. There they would select an exclusive edition of popular Annuals released by reputed publishing houses and packed from cover to cover with tales of fantasy and adventure penned by authors who became children at heart when they created heavenly atmospheres in which to dispense their preparations. For the grown ups, there were the special Puja editions of magazines – the authors of these special editions would be contracted at least six months in advance and would be gifted with healthy cheques along with fully paid holidays to destinations of his/hers choice so that he/she can retire to a corner of the world and concentrate on whatever he/she thinks will catch the fancy of the discerning readers. Alas, such scenes are not seen today.

A relatively new culture is that of sponsorship. As a leading brand manager admitted – sponsoring banners in Puja pandals are several times cheaper than the print or electronic media. Moreover, awards are given away by the sponsors under a number of heads like the best idol, the best pandal, the best lighting etc. In the bargain, the Puja committee and the sponsors both gain mileage. As someone remarked, sponsorship comes through unseen links – invisible threads jump into action and bargains are struck to ensure that the promised dreams materialize.

another interesting link –

amaar duniya

still more on durga pujas 2005

2005-10-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

For pandal hoppers, especially those not in the thick of things in Kolkata, this is a MUST visit – http://durgapandals.anandautsav.com/abpgallery/index.php

The coveted awards of 2005, announced by one group of sponsors, have gone to the following in Kolkata – best Pujas, idol and pandal – 66 Palli Sarbojanin; best lighting – Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha. The recipients of the Finolex ‘Alok Suraksha Sanmaan’ awards are 25 Palli Sarbojanin, Kidderpore and Chakraberia Sarbojanin, Bhowanipur. The top six Pujas that have bagged the Asian Paints Sharada Sanmaan are Adarsh Palli, the Behala Club, Shibmandir, Swapnar bagan, Naktala Udayan Sangha and the Adarsh Palli. The Utsav Cup has gone to Suruchi Sangha of New Alipore. Their theme on Manipur was adjudged the best.
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The number of visitors on the evening of Shashti, Saptami and Ashtami in some well known pandals at two hour intervals (from 8 pm onwards) were:
Shashti – Suruchi Sangha and Mudiali – 5000, 9000 and 12,000.
Saptami – Suruchi Sangha : 6000, 12000, 18000
Mudiali : 5000, 10000, 12000
Ashtami - Suruchi Sangha : 8000, 14000, 18000
Mudiali : 8000, 13000, 16000
*****
The CESC has supplied in excess of 1300 MW of electricity on 27th September 2005 at 18.30 hrs – this is considered to be an all time high. It made a humble beginning in 1899 supplying one MW. It took nearly five years to cross over from the 1200 MW to 1300 MW mark.
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A gentleman was surprised when he went pandal hopping with his wife – he recognized an idol made of fiberglass as being the one that was worshipped by the committee in which he was a member the previous year!! It seems that the artist concerned had asked for the idol to be given back to him – he has suggested that the proceeds of its sale would be shared once he manages to offload it. But he coolly passed off to a second unsuspecting committee. This is not new to overseas celebrations; the same idol is circulated to different locations for up to five years based on mutual understanding between the respective organizers. But, it is new to Kolkata.
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Khichudi is a very special preparation that is served during Durga Pujas everywhere. It is basically a preparation of raw rice and moong dal. The art of making it tasty rests not only on its ingredients but also on the person who adds his magic touch. This is especially true for the khichudi of the Belur Math. It seems 3500 Kgs. of rice and an equal amount of fried moong dal go into it. Other ingredients are 2000 Kgs. Pf potato, 1000 Kgs. of carrots, 500 Kgs. of green peas and spices like ginger, chili, turmeric, bay leaves and a purely Bengali spice known as ‘paanch foran.’ Oil or ghee is not used at all. The vessels in which these are prepared arte obviously huge – each of them can accommodate at least one quintal of khichudi. The preparation time is around one hour for each of the containers.

another interesting link –

amaar duniya

durga pujas 2005 - kolkata and overseas

2005-10-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a selection of the Fav Five of Kolkata as perceived by the Telegraph -
http://telegraphindia.com/1051010/asp/calcutta/story_5341326.asp

Durga is the spice, bread and grain of life –
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1513030,00470002.htm

Bengalis who reside in Bengal enjoy Durga Pujas no matter whether it rains or not. As the popular saying goes – ‘this is that period in the life of a youngster when he does quite a number of things for the first time – the first smoke, the first wink, the first fluttering of the eyelids.’ Those who have settled in other parts of India participate in programs that are nearest to their homes, they feel homesick, and yearn for the real things back home. But, for those who have settled abroad, getting together to share this happiness is an event of sorts that need to be planned well in advance. A search on the internet revealed the following websites that deal with Durga Pujas 2005. Hence, I have indicated the links. Readers can follow them, share their experiences and realize the amount of enthusiasm that exists in Bengalis wherever they may be present.

Sunnyvale, California - http://www.sulekha.com/events/evtdp.aspx?cid=137653

Maynard, MA – http://www.prabasione.org/durga_puja.htm

Canada - http://deshantari.com/durgapuja2005.htm

The credit of dispatching the first Durga idol made of ‘shola’ goes to one Amar Nath Ghosh of Kumartuli. He has been at it for the last thirty years. The idols are small and extra light but used to be invariably colored white – the basic color of ‘shola’. However, with the growing demand of colors, the artist has devised his unique method. The final products are so breathtaking that the East Coast Museum of New York and Frankfurt Anthropological Museum have preserved them.

another interesting link –

amaar duniya

more on pujas 2005

2005-10-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

For those who love to pamper the taste buds, the following should make mouths water –
‘Tamarind’ on Sarat Bose Road offers Hyderabadi food festival during the festivities: sample dishes – ‘dawat-e-nizam’ which is nothing but the leg of a sheep cooked with Hyderabadi masala in traditional style priced at Rs 500.00 for a full plate! Then there is the Coorg Chicken, Karnataki recipe at Rs 135.00 followed by dum-chicken (whole roasted chickens with gravy) at Rs 190.00. For dessert, you can taste fried bread slices soaked in rabri and sprinkled with finely chopped almonds, cashew nuts and kish-mish.

Another joint crying for attention is ‘Orks’ located in the City Center of Salt Lake. Here special Puja thali are the craze – the menu consists of prawns prepared in tender coconut (daab-chingri), rich preparation of rohu fish (rui-machher kalia), date+mango chutney, dhokar dalna, pataler dolma etc. The rates are Rs 365 and 255 respectively for the non-veg and veg types. In addition, there is a menu comprising four types of kebabs – price Rs 500.00. The kebab platter comes for Rs 350.00!!

If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you have to drop in on ‘Mainland China’ on Gurusaday Road. They have arranged for buffet lunch and dinner for Rs 350.00. Prawns cooked in hot garlic sauce or spiced oysters will transport you to another dimension.
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In order to maintain law and order and control traffic, additional police booths will be set up. There will be more than 10,000 policemen on duty. Combat Forces and RAF will be on standby. http://telegraphindia.com/1051008/asp/calcutta/story_5333160.asp
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A Minister of the West Bengal Government will be presenting an adivasi dance program on the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of the Pujas of the National Airport Authority of India, Mumbai at Santa Cruz. The Minister with his troupe of 21 members will leave for Mumbai on 9th October by train.
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The names Tantuja, Tantusree and Manjusha used to be popular brand names in the fashion world even a few years back. These once profit centers are today loss making enterprises of the West Bengal Government. They used to be the major outlets for sarees manufactured by the weavers of Bengal but were unable to cope up with the tremendous competition from others. As a result, whatever stocks they hold today are all outdated old designs that no one wants.
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The fashion craze this year is the ‘mix-and-match’ sarees. Light color background with deep borders: batik, block and embroidery work - all on the same saree. Other variations are painted tribal motifs or spray painted abstract arts. Hand painted sarees are usually on tasar silk – black tasar silk with Mexican civilization motifs in silver grey.
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Despite taking precautions, there are a number of Pujas where the same theme has surfaced – for example, the idols made of shellac: as many as four have used this medium. Predictions are that at least one of them will feature in this year’s top 20.
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One mandap is made out of 80,000 wooden Ganesh idols. Another is presenting wood carvings on rejected railway wooden sleepers. The terracotta theme is there in as many as ten mandaps. As an artist remarked – ‘originality is taking a beating, the same theme keeps coming back.’
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And, a particular Puja is conducted by non Brahmins. It is in the Bashoa Dakshinpara village of Birbhum district. They have been performing this Puja for the past 32 years. The idol here is not the traditional one of Durga with her children Kartik, Ganesh, Lakshmi and Saraswati but of Devi Durga in front of whom sits Lord Ram with folded hands. Alongside him are Lakshman and Hanuman.

another interesting link –

amaar duniya

tit bits of durga puja 2005

2005-10-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

Every year, there is a rush to rope in celebrities for the inauguration of important Pujas. Normally, celebs of the silver screen, players of repute, and eminent authors are preferred apart from political bigwigs like Central ministers or the Governor. This year, one committee has obtained the consent of the CM of Manipur who will come down to inaugurate the Puja – its theme is Manipur and it is only appropriate that the CM of the state does the honors. Similarly, another committee who has selected the Mukteswar temple of Orissa as its theme waits for the nod from its CM.
*****
The total number of Sarbojanin Durga Pujas in Kolkata this year is 1125 – out of these, many organizers have occupied large portions of the public roads to erect the pandals where the idols will be positioned.
*****
Until quite recently, unimaginable displays of colored lights used to be what Kolkattans would rave about – the electricians of Chandernagore would devise ways and means of how best to project a lighted animated display of India winning the cricket World cup or of a disaster like a plane highjack or of Sourav Ganguli waving his banyan. Today, these electricians are no longer in demand. The reason is the exorbitantly high cost involved. It seems the average consumption of electricity for a display runs into 600 Kilowatts. At the current rate of one hundred rupees per Kilowatt per day, the cost on this account itself runs into three lakhs of rupees. Very few committees want to shoulder this burden – they opt for theme Pujas which consume much less electricity.
*****
Durga idols are made in Kumartuli – the basic raw materials are the soil from the bed of the Ganges, hay and bamboo for the framework from neighboring villages accompanied by paints and glossy varnish. There was a beautiful informative feature on the subject in the Discovery channel (24/9/2005 in the evening slot). Even though it was of the year 2000 vintage, it portrayed the pujas remarkably well. On an average, 3000 idols are made, most of them are of the traditional type, and exceptions are for those with specific themes. These are costlier hence have few takers. Once a Puja committee opts to go for a theme, its cost mounts because all associated decorative pieces light lighting, the décor, construction of the pandal etc. need to match with the basic theme. On an average the committee has to spend around ten to twelve lakh rupees to make any lasting impression on the discerning public.
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The CD has become an invaluable aid for the Puja committees – video footage of previous years pujas, showing the extent of popularity in terms of crowd pulling abilities, influence corporate houses to sign the contracts. Many of the prestigious idols are made in locations out of Kolkata (for reasons of security, so that the element of surprising the rivals remains.) It is not possible for the committee members to go there just to see how far the work has progressed. Therefore, one member is deputed to visit the site and come back with the videos – these are studied along with the craftsman and reps of associated departments like the pandal decorator, the light man etc. and suitable modifications incorporated. The intention is to get the best value for money.
*****
The lotus flower is a must for the main Puja on the ashtami day – the requirement is of the order of 108 pieces per Puja! The lotus blooms during the monsoons and, by the time the Pujas begin, it is difficult to lay hands on them. The flowers that usually sell for fifty paise goes up to fifteen rupees. In order to combat this, the flowers are now being plucked in advance and stored in controlled conditions in specially designed cold storages. Hopefully, it will be less difficult to procure lotus this year.
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It is reported that railway reservations are just not available to move out of Kolkata. The news in a local vernacular newspaper (dated 25/9/2005) says that more than 50,000 would-be travelers have to pray to Goddess Durga that their waiting list tickets get confirmed. The heaviest rush is for trains to Rajasthan – that is the impression one gets on perusing the demand for Jodhpur Express. This year, the railways plan for 96 Puja special trains out of which 34 are towards New Delhi. Last year the figure was 66.

other interesting links –

amaar duniya

creativity at its best - pujas 2005

2005-10-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Creativity is second nature to us. Any living being creates. God has created the Universe and hundreds of thousands of living beings from the tiniest of humming birds to the largest of the elephants. He has created human beings, he has ordained that they, in turn create offspring so that the continuity is maintained. That is why we have in our midst people with visions of creation. Some of them are artists, some are authors, others are industrialists – each one of them views the world in a different perspective. To a vocalist, the world is sa-re-ga-ma-pa; to the sculptor, the world is chisel and hammer; to the painter, the world is an exceptionally large canvas, paint brush and colors. All of them come together during the Durga Pujas to present their best – the lengths they go to for creating their products is mind boggling. In an effort to satisfy their inner desire to give to the world their best, they try to replicate monuments just by looking at their photographs. Whilst many use conventional material, others go in for the exotic like pandals of leaves of the sal plant, or made out of matting or of whole spices, areca nuts. One of them constructed the pandal out of hundreds of dhaks (a sort of drum). Another has made extensive use of shellac. The conventional bamboo and tarpaulin pandals have receded into the background - probably due to reduction in the number of mangroves. The artisans have changed routes before it is too late; they have opted for alternate materials. During the Pujas, creativity is at its best.

Traditional domestic Pujas are still conducted in a few households in Kolkata – among them, the one of Sabarna Roy Choudhury started in 1610 is the oldest. Next are the ones of the Black Zaminder Gobinda Ram Mitra and Raja of Shobha Bazaar Naba Krishna Deb. Others are the Chaltabagan Ghosh family and the Seal family of Chorbagan from 1856. As the noted author Shankar said recently in an article – ‘the Pujas have not changed a bit over the years. It is the same Evil, in the form of Asura, being overpowered by the Goddess Durga; what has changed is our perspective!’ How very true.

other interesting links –

amaar duniya

durga puja 2005 is here

2005-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

The festive season has begun. Ganesh pujas are over and Durga Puja is just around the corner. Kolkata Doordarshan plans to telecast a documentary made to honor the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra on his centenary. The program will be telecast on the day prior to Mahalaya. Birendra Krishna Bhadra needs no introduction to Bengalis – the Durga Puja festivities begin with his recitation of early morning stotras over Akashvani (All India Radio) on the occasion of Mahalaya. This is the auspicious day when Goddess Durga is supposed to have begun her journey, along with her children, from the Himalayas to come down to Earth and visit the house of her Mother.

Monsoons are beating the retreat, there is a nip in the air, the print media gives full page displays of different varieties of footwear on offer, and the Railways announce Puja special trains from various destinations to Howrah, one of the busiest of railway stations in the sub-continent during these festivities. The electronic media does not want to be left far behind – they bombard you with display of the latest in dress and fashion, of unheard of tourist destinations in and around Bengal apart from discussions on every conceivable subject under the sun related to ‘how best to extract the maximum from the four days.’ A visit to the net revealed a couple of interesting sites:

http://www.durga-puja.org/mahalaya.html
http://www.flonnet.com/fl2020/stories/20031010000106600.htm
http://www.bengalonthenet.com/puja/php/display.php?sec_id=2&sub_sec=1

In the last few years, the very concept of community celebrations has changed considerably. It seems plans for the year begin soon after the immersions of the previous year. The artists (usually from the Art colleges) who design the theme and associated paraphernalia carry out volumes of research and take the assistance of the internet to come up with attractive proposals. Once the Puja committee approves them, the activities begin. The idol making is entrusted to reliable persons who are given cell phones so that minute to minute progress can be monitored! The organizers leave no stone unturned to ensure the best value for money. In the modern age of sponsorship, it is the hype created around the Puja that matter – hype creates a curiosity which translates into greater visibility for the sponsors. In fact, large houses have instituted awards for which teams are formed by drawing together a group of talented persons (established authors, singers, sportspersons, stars of the silver screens etc.) who visit the pandals and judge the idols, the decorations, the themes, the arrangements. Obviously, the competition is intense and every organizer plays his cards close to his chest, there have been instances when spying networks are set up to collect secret information on the rival’s preparations.

For those who live outside Bengal, this is usually the period of homecoming. For youngsters, this could be an annual affair, for the elders, it may occur once in two or four years, depending on the feasibility of getting leave and considering school schedules of their children. The families normally choose to travel by train for which tickets are procured two months in advance. Once the tickets are in the custody, the count down begins culminating with frantic buying for the near and dear ones back home as the D-day approaches. The train journey remains a memorable one because you discover that practically every other passenger is in your category. You exchange notes and, in some cases, addresses, phone numbers.

other interesting links –

amaar duniya

durga to san francisco

2005-09-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

This is the story of an enterprising young person who has become a pioneer of sorts in Kolkata. He is into e-biz; his products are the clay idols of Durga and her retinue that are in demand all over the world, in various nooks and corners on the occasion of Durga Puja. He started his business last year by dispatching one of his products to San Francisco. This year, he has bagged orders for seventeen – all of these are not Durga but Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Nataraj. The orders for Durga stand at three – the one from San Francisco has already been shipped. The remaining two are slated to leave for Australia and New Zealand. Innovativeness rules the day.
How did he manage to bag these orders? Through e-mail and chatting. He locates the prospective clients and starts the ball rolling. His rates are competitive – cost of the idol is around sixty thousand rupees, packing and forwarding another seventy thousand. We should be proud of this gentleman – he is a pioneer and has shown that where there is a will, there is always a way. His name is Pradyut Pal.

The following is a message he sent me on 18/6/2005 through my blog –

http://o3.indiatimes.com/rediscoveringindia/archive/2004/10/24/18120.aspx

The report of his innovative efforts made it to the front page in one of the leading Bengali dailies on 20/9/2005. Till last year, I used to get this daily paper through post – invariably, the issues would be at least four days old (transit time through the post), and still they brought me and my wife that much nearer home - especially during festivities. We would go through the pages, lap up the offerings and be the centre of attraction in our limited group. But, things have changed. Today, I get the day’s newspaper the same day itself – thanks to technology. The complete issue is the internet version; it is downloaded in Mumbai, and printed and dispatched to various locations in Maharastra. In the bargain I have lost considerable popularity because every Bengali subscribes to this paper and I do not find any thing new to add during conversations! Instead of being an exception, I am now one among many.

other interesting links –

amaar duniya
throbindia

durga puja celebrations world wide

2005-09-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

The mother of all festivals is breathing down our necks. For those directly involved in the celebrations, it is panic raised to the power of infinity. Beginning from arranging for the inauguration till the immersion, there are umpteen plus one steps, innumerable number of bridges to be crossed, thousands of obstacles to be overcome. The funds of most of the Pujas are obtained through advertisements of sponsors and patrons in the Souvenir booklets. Managing to get hold of these advertisements is an art by itself and, in every committee there is a handful who have mastered this art. Obviously, they enjoy better status in society and more privileges. Rome was not built in a day; Durga Puja also is not an affair that you can complete within a time frame. The time frame invariably gets distorted, budgets go haywire and tempers become unmanageable. In spite of these known hardships, the rituals go on and on, old committees give way to the new, concepts undergo changes, festivities that once were restricted to close-knit groups have now surrendered to the dictates of corporate houses. After all, it is a part of the game known as promotions. The corporate sponsors a Puja to promote its image in the market – as you trudge through the maze of people, you are compelled to see posters, and banners of those who have taken pains to ensure that their brands are etched forever in not only your memory but the memories of all those around you, including your toddlers.

Now, about some celebrations out of Bengal but in India – the first is in Mumbai. There are several high budget Pujas here and, being closely associated with Bollywood, the glamour factor is great. The oldest is the Mumbai Durgabari Samiti Sarbojanin – this year it is in its 76th year, the budget is around thirty lakhs. Dadar Shivajipark pujas is in its 70th year and the tentative budget is eighteen to twenty lakhs. Kallol Kalibari Durgotsav is in its 40th year, budget fifteen lakhs. The one in Bandra is in its 33rd year, budget twenty lakhs. Other venues are the Khar Ramkrishna Mission, Chembur Durga Puja Association (budget 20 lakhs), Bhandup Durgotsav Samiti (21 years, eight lakhs), Vashi New Bombay Association (budget 33 lakhs), Vashi Cultutral Association (budget fifteen to eighteen lakhs), Kopar Khairan Bengali Association in Navi Mumbai (budget twenty lakhs), Nerul Aamra Probasi (five lakhs).

The Lokhandawala Sarbojanin Pujas of playback singer Abhijeet in Mumbai is in its tenth year. Its budget is reported to be the largest. Read more on this –

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1041020/asp/frontpage/story_3905320.asp

In nearby Thane, there are six to seven Pujas and in Pune, twelve to fourteen. Close by Nashik boasts of four major ones – like the ones in the Government of India Press, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Air force in Ojhar, then the one in the industrial area of Satpur-Ambad.

Regarding Pujas in other locations, especially overseas, the following links are worth a visit -

http://www.rumela.com/events/durga_puja_overseas.htm

Durga Puja rituals -

http://festivals.iloveindia.com/durga-puja/durga-puja-customs.html

other interesting links –

amaar duniya
throbindia

ganesh utsav 2005

2005-09-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

The festival season of the Indians begin with the Ganesh festival which is a few days away. Preparations have already started in real earnest with pandals being erected in various ports of cities large and small. Lord Ganesh will reside in these temporary accommodations for the duration of the annual festival. He is the harbinger of all the good things, especially related to riches. Hence, whoever carries out business worships this elephant headed deity. The festival starts on Ganesh Chaturthi - 4th day of Bhadrapada Shukla (Shuddha) Paksha, when Ganesh Pratishthapana is performed and the festival is concluded with the Ganpati Visarjana (immersion procession) on Anant Chaturdashi (14th day of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha). This year, it commences on 7th September 2005 and concludes on 17th September.

The ten-day long festival is celebrated basically in Maharastra and by Maharastrians wherever they may reside in other parts of the World. This year, in view of the havoc created by the unprecedented rains, and loss of lives and property, the celebration may be on a subdued scale. From reports it seems that plenty of idols have been damaged by the rains and flood conditions. In olden days, it used to be restricted to families. Later, Bal Gangadhar Tilak realized its tremendous potentials as an opportunity to bring people on a common platform to carry out the struggle for freedom from British rule. Hence, he converted it into a community festival in Pune. Later, it caught the fancy of the masses and propagated to far corners of the state and even beyond the boundaries of Maharastra. http://www.panditjiusa.com/ganesh_festival.htm

Coming to Nashik, there are quite a number of Ganapati pujas – the one on the Main Road is most famous, here the idol is made of silver! It is normally housed in the Ganapati temple on Raviwar Karanjia. During the festivals, it is brought outside for public viewing. Then there are the Khandave Ganapati, the Tilya Ganapati, the Varad Vinayak, the Dholya Ganapati and the Navshaya Ganapati. Details are available on the following link: http://www.nashik.com/pilgrimage/temple.html

The Pune festival organized by Sri Suresh Kalmadi on this occasion showcases the various aspects of the cultural side of Maharastra. Details of the events of 2004 can be viewed on this official link - http://www.punefestival.com/

Like so many other Indian festivals, this also occupies a prominent position on the internet. Innumerable memorabilia are on offer on attractive terms for on-line buying. There are even sites where one can perform Puja on-line based on instructions that come over the net. You may not be able to enjoy the fragrance of incense sticks but, who knows, you may be fortunate to locate a site where you can certainly light them and watch the smoke curl up into the air. http://www.astrojyoti.com/ganeshapoojas.htm

On the 14th day that is on Anantha Chaturdashi the images are immersed in the local rivers or lakes. In Mumbai, the large ones are immersed in the Arabian Sea. The TV networks dutifully relay the complete proceedings and, the gorgeous affairs are really and truly breathtaking. With chanting of ‘ganapatti bappa morya, pudcha barsha laukar ya!’ we bid good bye to the Lord Ganesh requesting him to come early next y

lost bengali melodies

2005-08-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

The other day, the Bengali ETV news capsule showed a gentleman operating an old model gramophone where you have to physically wind the machine and replace the stylus like pin after one side of the record is played. He collects vintage Bengali records and preserves them for posterity. The records are mostly of the 78 rpm variety, heavy, brittle stuff. Once the grooves of the record get spoiled due to continuous usage, the unserviceable records are painted in contrasting colors or molded into wall pieces to decorate the drawing rooms.

I traveled back in time and remembered singers of yore who had melodious voices, of lyricists who penned wonderful words and of the time when singers like Sanat Singha, Alpana Bandopadhaya, Aparesh Lahiri, Bansari Lahiri, Amal Mukhopadhaya and Subir Sen were the craze. Of course front liners were always there like Hemanta Mukherji, Sandhya Mukherji, Talat Mahmood and Lata Mangeshkar to name a few. But the offerings of the others singers were something special. They added variety to festive seasons because, in those days, release of new recordings was devoid of fanfare and usually during Durga Puja time. A week before the start of the festive season, selected Puja special songs were played over the All India Radio.
It is a sad state of affairs that very little effort is made to highlight these talents to the modern generation. The presence on the net of these persons is negligible, as good as not being there at all. Whatever little is available does not attract attention. I append below a few links where some information is available –

Sanat Singha, Alpana Bandopadhaya http://www.cybermultimedia.net/associats.htm

Subir Sen http://www.musicindiaonline.com/l/15/s/artist.717/

Amal Mukhopadhaya http://allindiaradio.org/KOL_ROD/kol_p17.htm

Aparesh and Bansari Lahiri http://www.netguruindia.com/cal/alaap/bappi.html

It would be worthwhile for enthusiasts to carry out a study on this subject. In case anyone is able to add to the existing information (especially their profiles with photographs), it will help spread the message that melodies of Bengal are unique and deserve to be located and preserved. In this connection, some work has been undertaken.

Please see the following link - http://www.salilda.com/nonfilmsongs/sabita.asp

bengali new year

2005-04-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

The 15th day of April heralds in the Bengali New year. It is better-known as pahela Baishakh or the first day of the month of Baishakh. On this occasion, Bengalis the world over try to relive their glorious pasts; they attempt to recreate an atmosphere that is gradually fading into oblivion. If possible, they coax the elderly ladies of the family to prepare those exotic, long forgotten dishes that conjure up memories of an era gone by – chholar daal with a sprinkling of fried coconut cubes and topped with a spoon of pure ghee for starters accompanied by begun bhaja, followed by dhokar dalna, chingri malai curry, paka pona machher kalia and alu bakhrar chutney. Then comes the sweet dishes – gobindo bhoger payas, rasogolla or, in lieu, rabri. Likely bad effects of increase in cholesterol levels or sugar levels are temporarily forgotten as they first let the flavor knock them out and then surrender in totality to those delightful, unforgettable tastes.

Those who are unable to lay their hands on domestic facilities prefer to go to restaurants and taste real Bengali dishes in typical Bengali surroundings. Taking advantage of this not unnatural mindset of Bengalis, most large hotels in Kolkata offer special dishes so that they can get a taste of dishes that remain just names for the remaining 364 days of the year. Even the older generation joins in because, the hands that once upon a time created magical dishes are faint memories today.

It is said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. That used to be how the ladies of yore would cast magic spells on their men folk. As a result, the men never encouraged thoughts of parting ways, no matter how explosive the situation. When the table is laid and, dishes keep making their appearances, it is extremely difficult for any man to turn a blind eye to their creator.

She just cannot be ignored. She knows it, her man knows it. The real secret of marital bliss lies in such a close knit setup.

A different genre of read –
Pay the Ransom and …

spring the queen of all seasons

2005-02-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

The announcement was made yesterday – once the gates of the Moghul Gardens are thrown open to the Public, it heralds the onset of spring, the queen of all seasons. With winter on its way out and summer yet to make its presence felt, spring is sandwiched in between – a come-and-go affair: with every passing year, its duration seems to be reducing. Exotic varieties of various types of roses, in bloom, reveal Nature in her true colors. The shades are breath taking – one wonders and marvels at he who creates such splendor.

Recently, I had been to a local flower exhibition and was wonder struck at the flowers, especially the roses, put up by participants - prizes were awarded to the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of roses. It was a world of its own, nature at her very best.

Valentine’s Day is one of the festivals held during spring – it is relatively new in the calendar of Indians. The youth of today, thanks to being egged on by professionals of the visual media, who are paid to sell dreams, gives it more importance than our very own spring festival namely, Holi. It is not that they do not celebrate Holi – far from it, holi revelers extract their pound of enjoyment, come what may. In comparison, the V-day is more sophisticated, more civilized than holi where color is splashed indiscriminately even on innocent bystanders and onlookers, who do not want to participate. V-day is all about expressing love in a more befitting manner – a bouquet of flowers, a greeting card special to the occasion, and probably an evening out with someone close to your heart. For the married, it would be the wife (age does not matter), to the school and college goers, it would be friends – friends of this year may change next year but, why bother: V-day comes every year!

It is understood that Bangalore is one of the leading exporters of roses to the West. It exports approximately 300 tonnes (about ten million rose stems) on the occasion of V-day. The price in the domestic market hovers around ten rupees per piece while in the export market it is around eighteen rupees. One of the leading lights in this field has, reportedly, dispatched one million roses, priced at thirty rupees each, to UK!

christmas indian style

2004-12-24T03:39:00.000-08:00

Lord Jesus Christ was born at midnight – hence, the midnight mass in the churches on Christmas eve. Lord Krishna was also born at midnight.

Christ was born into a family of shepherds, Krishna was a cowherd – he loved to be among his cattle.

However, whilst Krishna’s birth was in the rainy season, Christ was born in winter – when there is snow all around. Snow, again, is a form of rain! Even there is a similarity in their names – Christ and Krishna! Probably, this is one of the reasons why Christmas is yet another popular festival in India.

Coming as it does at the close of the Christian year, people love to enjoy these festivities with outings, picnics and the like. Those who have lapsable leaves to their credit try to take advantage of the same and disappear from sight for these few days. Normally, starting from Christmas day to New year’s day, the attendance in offices are thin. Most schools declare the winter holidays at this time of the year – hence, outbound travelers can be seen in large numbers at the bus terminuses, railway stations and airports. ‘Sightseeing on installment’ are gaining popularity and the Western culture of ‘avail now, pay later’ is gripping our youth.
On the occasion of Christmas, the South Eastern Railways are going all out to commission the Howrah - Digha railway line. The 195 Kilometer track is complete and awaiting certification of the Safety department. Expectations are high – the fare will be in the region of Rs 100.00 for II Class Sleeper and Rs 30.00 for chair car.

Similarly, the well renowned cake and pastry shop ‘Flurry’s’ on Park Street in Kolkata is being reopened on Christmas day. It had closed down on the 15th of August – and, with its closing down, its patrons were apprehensive that it will not return. But, thanks to some well wishers, it is returning with a bang.

In all metros, large Hotels arrange exotic fares for their clientele on these occasions – the rates keep going up and up but still, patrons keep pouring in – no matter whether they have to wait in queue. The lone church at Gulmarg, which was thrown open to the public last year after renovation, will be the venue of celebrations on Christmas day … this year, the J & K ‘tourism department has planned to throw New Year parties on snow covered slopes sprinkled with towering pine and chinar trees at Pahalgaon in South Kashmir ….’

Christmas celebrations are incomplete without Santa Claus and his reindeer drawn sledges romping around the countryside to the music of jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way …
Christmas is that time of the year when cinemas with universal appeal are released – those with themes of Christmas in modern settings become instant hits – ‘Home alone’ is one of the best examples in recent years. The logic is obvious – Christmas vacations are family affairs and are to be enjoyed with all members of the family. No one should be left out.

other interesting links:
destination india
indian satire
sweets of india
festivals of india
wonder women of india

deepavali greetings

2004-11-12T06:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY DEEPAVALI TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FELLOW BLOGGERS. MAY GODDESS LAKSHMI SHOWER HER BLESSINGS ON YOU AND MAY YOUR PROSPERITY INCREASE SEVERAL FOLD. BEST OF LUCK TO ALL.

deepavali and kali puja

2004-11-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

Celebrated in the moonless night, Deepavali (or Divali) is basically a festival of lights. There is no community Pujas as such. It involves the worshipping of Godess Lakshmi, who symbolizes prosperity and its intention is to spread a feeling of goodness all around. Each and every house is decorated with garlands of flowers as well as strings of tiny colored bulbs. In the olden days, there used to be tiny clay lamps in which oil would be poured and wicks made of cloth would be lit. Today there are ready made candles coming in all shapes and sizes to replace the clay varieties.

On the occasion of Deepavali, people purchase new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets and, occasionally, sit down to gamble throughout the night – of course, for low stakes. The lights are kept on all night and the family members are also expected to remain awake – hence, a little bit of gambling does not hurt!! A must in practically everyone’s list is gold and silver – even a token purchase of one gram will do. There is a belief that the ability to purchase even a tiny amount of such precious metals is a sign of prosperity.

Apart from lights, fireworks play a major role in these celebrations. From sparklers and crackers to bombs, rockets and ‘anar’s (flower pots) – the smoke and noise increase all types of pollution levels. In some places, public display of fireworks is conducted. Majority of these fireworks are manufactured in a place called Sivakasi which keeps coming into the news regularly since this industry makes extensive use of child labor. These children fall sick due to continuous exposure to and inhalation of chemicals like sulphur, magnesium salts, carbon dust, and iron and magnesium chips. Sometimes, fires break out in these factories claiming innocent lives. But, still, the show goes on. Fireworks are in demand not only for Deepavali but all throughout the year because, whenever we want to celebrate an event, we love to make enough noise to let the whole world know about our achievement!!

Fire hazards are present in cities also and messages are continuously flashed on TVs as to the precautions to be taken during the celebrations. No one wants to be responsible for bringing sorrow on an evening of happiness!

In Bengal, the Kali Puja is held on this occasion.

Godess Kali is symbolic of Shakti. Her Pujas are performed only after midnight. Originally a deity who the dacoits used to worship prior to setting out on a mission, Kali Puja is also performed by Tantriks. (Tantriks are persons who are supposed to possess super natural powers acquired after years of sadhana – to come to that level, one has to perform innumerable rituals, one of them being sitting astride a dead body of a virgin in the cremation ground.)
In ancient Bengal, long before the arrival of Job Charnok on the scene, people used to travel on foot, those well off would use the palanquin and the bullock carts. Since the paths would be through jungles, body guards would accompany the cavalcade. The dacoits would waylay them and rob them of all valuables. Sometimes, the dacoits would land up in the zamindar’s house – for looting. All these characters worshipped Godess Kali – the name of one ‘Raghu’-dakat stands out prominently.

In some parts of Kolkata, this Puja is celebrated with much more pomp and show as compared to the Durga Puja. It is interesting to note that most of the high profile Kali Pujas are the brain children of persons who resemble present day ‘Raghu’-dakat!

One aspect of Kali Puja is gradually on the way out.

That is the ‘tubri’ competition.

‘Tubri’s are also known as ‘anar’s or flower pots. Once lit, the spray could rise as high as 25 to 30 feet or go bust immediately it was ignited. How high its peak would reach or how wide its ‘flowers’ would spread depended on the ratio of the ingredients, how well they were mixed and who had stuffed the material into the shell. The usual ingredients would be sulphur, charcoal and potassium chloride – all in superfine powder forms – and chips of iron. The shell would be of clay. The contestants would keep experimenting to arrive at a set of correct proportions that might help them win the competitions.

Such competitions have become things of the past – the youth of today do not have any interest whatsoever in pursuing such activities.

musings on the eve of divali

2004-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, with the cost of everything sky rocketing it is worthwhile to ponder whether it is really necessary to squander away hundreds of rupees just to prove our one-upmanship? Divali, like any other Indian festival, expects people to do something for a change – a change of clothes, a change of residence, a change of taste. We love to quote the scriptures, draw parallels from our holy books and justify the extravaganza that we plan. Of course, the ones who want to dispose off their inventories try to win over our hearts and purses by offering items at ‘rock bottom prices’ – but, the hidden catch is revealed only after the damage is done!! Innovativeness rules the day – you may have observed that to light up our houses, we now buy garlands of tiny colored bulbs that twinkle at the press of a button. These are made in China and sell like hot cakes. No guarantee, the shopkeepers warn – but, who cares? They come dirt cheap. One can get three sets for the price of one set of the Indigenous version.
One more item on the MUST list is clothes – fashions are dictated by trends one observes on the TVs. Gone are the days of Doordarshan when clothes appropriate to the occasion would be shown on the small screen – today, whatever be the occasion depicted, the heroines always look gorgeous, dressed up in all its fineries, weighed down by loads of ornaments, showing off their figures with the help of tight fitting clothes with jazzy colors. She could be a doctor in a hospital or a school teacher or a shy student, it was immaterial. What was important was the designer who designed the dress and the number of orders he was likely to get. Today’s world is selfish – it cares only for itself.
Next on the list is the best method to tickle your taste buds.
Right from dry fruits in attractive packaging to boxes of assorted sweets you can order off the shelf – the choice is yours. Most of the sweets are made such that they can be stored for a few days. Home made preparations are practically non existant – for those who relish such stuff, selected outlets do exist where these can be had at a premium. Women of today have little or no time to devote so much time in the kitchen – this is the day of ready made goods. The popularity of packaged foodstuffs is on the rise – in order to hard-sell these products, we invariably bring in the ‘mother’ syndrome – like the ads we see on TV pertaining to spices. This phenomenon is not restricted to only Kolkata or Mumbai – it is all over the country. When in Kolkata, I have seen it during the Bijoya celebrations – the various sweets that our Mothers and grandmothers used to prepare are available in shops at a price. Now, in Nasik, I find similar situations during Divali. Whilst a majority of shops lay out their offerings in brightly lit counters, there are some shops tucked away in some remote corner of the city where you can get the traditional fares – at a premium.
Hats off to such of those who bring back fond memories.

curtains durga puja 2004

2004-10-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

The pujas are over for 2004 and, the committee members have already started the job of planning for the festivities of 2005. It is gathered from news reports that trying to bag one of the prestigious prizes is not something of a chance but a result of dedicated research, teamwork and professional approach. How beautiful West Bengal and Kolkata would be if these energies were to be channelised in a more productive way!!
However, I am too small a person to sit in judgment on such issues.
I will write the dénouement on pujas 2004.
First, the crowds that gathered at some popular pandals at 12 pm on the Saptami, Ashtami and Navami days respectively – estimates are that of the Kolkata Police:
Suruchi Sangha, New Alipore 20,000 40,000 60,000
Badamtola Ashad Sangha 17,000 35,000 50,000
66 Palli 15,000 35,000 45,000
Shiv mandir 14,000 30,000 45,000
Selimpur palli 12,000 30,000 40,000
Babubagan 10,000 25,000 35,000
Nalini Sarkar Street 8,000 25,000 30,000
Telenga bagan 6,000 25,000 30,000
Darpa Narain Thakur Street 6,000 20,000 25,000
Kumartuli Park 6,000 15,000 25,000

(The top ten pandals like Ekdalia Evergreen, Santosh Mitra Square, Park Circus, Singhee Park, Baghbazar Sarbojanin, Md. Ali Park, College Square, Maddox Square and Jodhpur Park, where unmanageable crowds usually gather are not considered. This year, our cricket captain Sourav put in an appearance at the Ekdalia Evergreen.)
Next we come to the award winners. Three sets of awards are announced by three different groups. These are as follows:
National Insurance + Anandabazar – No. 1 – Jodhpur Park
No. 2 – Haridevpur 41 palli
No. 3 – Barisha Sahajatri
Asian Paints Sharad Samman - No. 1 – Srishti, Sakher bazaar
No. 2 – Barisha Jubak brinda
No. 3 – Behala club
Finolex Alok Suraksha Samman - No. 1 – Suruchi Sangha, New Alipur
No. 2 – Sovabazar Beniatola
Thirdly, a major problem faced by practically all puja committees – non availability of lotus flowers. As it is, these flowers are very delicate. They grow in water and, due to unseasonal rains and floods, most of these have perished. Whatever could be salvaged was going at exorbitant rates – Rs 12.00 each piece. Other flowers like marigold, night queens etc. were priced at up to Rs 300.00 per Kg. The requirement of lotus flowers on Ashtami day itself runs into 108 pieces for every puja. And, at a rough estimate, the total requirement is of the order of 8 lakh pieces for all days combined. Against this, only 2 lakh pieces were available. Hence, some stocks had to be procured from neighboring states to fill the gap.

bijoya dasami

2004-10-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Bijoya Dasami is the last day of celebrations.

Godess Durga departs for her own house in the mountains of the Himalayas. The pandals are deserted and people move around aimlessly, looking crestfallen - even, the shine on the faces of the clay idols appear dull. The rituals of this day are the darpan bisarjan followed by the sindoor utsav. The sindoor utsav is for the married women. Sindoor (red vermillion powder) is an auspicious item for any Bengali married woman – it is normally applied on the ‘sinthee’ (the parting of the hair on the forehead). In the sindoor utsav, these women apply sindoor on the sinthee of the Godess Durga and then on the sinthees of all women assembled. While performing this ritual, each and everyone sends a silent prayer to God Almighty to bless them so that this mark of happiness is never obliterated and remains a faithful companion until the dying day! (Application of sindoor ceases from the instant a woman becomes a widow – hence, this silent prayer.)

After the sindoor utsav, the idols are loaded on to suitable vehicles and taken to the immersion spot in a procession. On the banks of the river or lake or pond, the youngsters carry out aarati and burn firecrackers to extend the celebrations as long as possible. But, all good things have to come to an end! Hence, after immersion, the people return to the empty pandal and exchange greetings – the younger do ‘pronams’ of their elders by stooping down and touching their feet. The elders return the gesture by blessing the younger ones. Those of the same age group do ‘kola- kuli’- they hug and embrace each other. The last item on the agenda is the exchange of sweets.

This exchange of sweets was what Bijoya was all about - an activity we used to look forward in our childhood. It may be hard to believe but, from the day following the immersion, the children would assemble at one spot and then move from one house to another – never wanting to miss out on the different types of sweets and snacks that our neighbors would keep ready for us. Then would follow the comparisons of what one Aunty had done and what another Aunty tried to do but failed!! In those days, unlike today, children were encouraged to learn about the world from first hand experience and not become bookworms like today.

For those friends and relatives who live out of town or are settled abroad, Bijoya greeting cards used to be sent. Now, however, it is all through the electronic medium – e-greetings, e-cards etc.. Some enterprising individuals have shortened the process still further via ‘SMS’. Things today have become instant; we have lost the person to person touch. Things have become impersonal; we do our duty as if in a trance.

In other parts of the country, Bijoya Dasami is the day of burning effigies of Ravana, the ten headed demon King. Signifying the triumph of good over evil, huge effigies of Ravana are built in prominent locations. These are decorated with concealed crackers, rockets and other such items. Once a signal is given, a wick is lighted and, in the fraction of a second, the beautifully constructed effigy catches fire and the fireworks start going off.

For the Bengalis, it was Godess Durga’s victory over the Asura, for others it was Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The hidden message in both cases is that of the triumph of good over evil!!

the flip side of durga pujas

2004-10-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

All of us must have seen the specialist drummer boys who are in demand even today – may not be in such a large scale as it used to be 20 years ago, but in demand all the same. Known as the ‘dhak’, this musical instrument, if it can be called that, is slung over the shoulder of the drummer boy ‘dhaki’. He creates tunes by deft manipulation of a pair of sticks on the skin covering the instrument. In this way, he is able to produce extraordinary music, which prompts people to dance. The drums are decorated with beautiful colored feathers and, as the dhaki sways with his dhak, these feathers sway adding to the charms of the festivals.

At some puja pandals, a pair of dhakis is contracted – they dance together and invite others to join. The famous dhunuchi naach (dancing with a pair of dhunuchis) in tandem with a pair of dhakis is an attraction in quite a number of pandals. Once an exclusive arena of men, there are instances where women have inched their way in. Thanks to the electronic media, we are treated to such scenes regularly on TV channels.

Dhakis are basically cultivators – on the occasion of such festivals, they move around and come to the cities to augment the meager income that comes from tilling the land. On the evening of Sashti (the day preceding Saptami), groups of these drummer boys along with their drums can be seen at Railway stations, bus stations or road crossings – waiting their turns to be hired for the four ensuing days. Those who do not succeed trudge back to their villages, hoping for better luck next year round.

Another set of people who contribute towards making the Pujas so attractive are the decorators and the electricians.

Struggling day and night, these artisans bring the Taj Mahal or the Pentagon or the Kremlin palace right into the heart of Kolkata. Using bamboo, thermocole and cloth, they create replicas of world famous monuments – based on the requirement of the Puja committee. The electricians add to the beauty by their magic of lighting. Together, they present some unparalled creations – a few of these get rewarded by the Award selection teams.

Durga puja was originally restricted to only a few families – the zamindars. On this occasion, the complete village would be invited to witness the Pujas and partake the Prasad. They would remain as spectators and were not allowed to participate in any other way. However, with the partition of Bengal and influx of refugees from East Bengal to West Bengal (Bangladesh was not existing at that time) the Durga puja ceased to be an exclusive purview of a few families. Interested Bengalis pooled their resources, collected money in the form of donations and started performing the Pujas as a group. These came to be known as the ‘Baroari Pujas’. ‘Baro’ means twelve and ‘yaar’ means friend. ‘Baroari’, therefore, means a group of twelve friends – in other words, a community. Moreover, with the gradual disintegration of the joint family system and the moving out of succeeding generations to greener pastures within the country or abroad, the family Pujas lost their shine. But, in order to keep the tradition alive, all family members are expected by the family elders to assemble at least once a year in their ancestral home – for the sake of these Pujas.

This home coming, on the face of it, is indeed a pleasant experience, an opportunity of exchanging notes. But, fraught with hidden pitfalls as well. The evil side of human nature surfaces, it may not be expressed in so many words but the minor achievements of one family pales into insignificance when compared to the major achievements of another. Like the jewellery acquired and exhibited by the woman of one family to prove one-upmanship over others.

While everyone makes efforts to conceal their feelings, the fact remains that such situations cannot just be wished away. It is difficult to hide under a veneer of artificiality!

four days of fun

2004-10-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja is really a massive affair.

Spread out over a period of four hectic days, with different rituals being performed each day, the ingredients required vary from simple things like dew drops, the soil dug up by rats and the soil from the doorsteps of a prostitute to a set of 108 lotus flowers. It is stated in the scriptures that, when Lord Rama decided to perform the Puja before starting on his journey to vanquish Ravana, the Godess Durga hid one of the lotus flowers. She wanted to test the sincerity of Rama. When Rama discovered the loss, he picked up his arrow and was about to pluck out one of his eyes and offer it to the Godess. She was pleased with his sincerity and blessed him.

By the time Mahalaya is over, the clay image makers of Kumartuli commence work on the final decorations of Durga and her retinue. With every passing day, the beautiful images take shape to adorn the pandals for four days so that devotees can assemble to offer prayers and obtain her blessings. Side by side, pandals are erected under the supervision of the committee members. The decorations attract devotees from far and near who arrive in large numbers decked out in all their finery to witness the spectacles of artistic decorations coupled with out-of-the-world lighting. In recent years, these aspects have gained considerable importance because of awards declared by leading business houses and corporate entities. In order to select the best of the best, teams of eminent luminaries visit the pandals and try to weigh the artistic appeal of one from another for gradation. A superhuman task!!

Early in the morning of Saptami, before sunrise, a banana plant is taken to the nearby river or source of water, cleaned and draped in a cloth along with nine types of leaves to form what is known as the Nabapatrika. The plants are kachu, haridra, jayanti, bel, dalim, ashok, mankachu and paddy. The banana plant itself is the ninth variety.

This banana plant is supposed to be the bride of Ganesha and the process is termed as ‘kala-bau’ snan. The ‘kala-bau’ is brought back in a procession to the sacred place of worship, located in a prominent place and the invocation of Durga begins.
This is a symbolic gesture of paying homage to Mother Nature.

From Saptami, people start thronging pandal after pandal. Road blocks are common. Children getting lost are natural. Youngsters walking barefoot holding on to their shoes by the shoe laces does not evoke laughter but pity because the poor souls have learnt where and how a new shoe pinches!! Durgotsav comes but once a year – everyone wants it to be as memorable as possible.

The next day is Maha Ashtami – the main day of the Puja. In yesteryears, there used to be a compulsory sacrifice of an animal (lamb). Nowadays, a token sacrifice of some vegetable is still performed in domestic Pujas. In community puja pandals, maximum number of devotees turns up to pray to Devi Durga for her blessings. Community lunches are also arranged on this occasion and, devotees, irrespective of caste, creed or religion sit down together for lunch – usually of khichudi.
Sandhi puja falls at the transition point of Ashtami and Navami.

This is observed mostly by the women folk. They fast until completion of the puja and then break their fast by partaking food prepared especially for Devi Durga. Sometimes, these Pujas are held early in the morning at two or three o’ clock!! And, the ladies fast up to that time.

Navami is the day when Kumari puja is done. Kumari puja means worshipping a virgin girl. Normally, a girl child who has not attained puberty is selected. She is dressed up in all finery and Pujas performed. She is then showered with gifts.
After Navami comes Dasami (or Visarjan) – the last day of festivities when Devi Durga prepares to leave for her abode in the Himalayas. She is bid adieu in the same manner as a mother would bid adieu to her daughter. The idols are then taken in a procession to the nearby river, lake or other body of water and immersed. People accompanying the cavalcade appear downcast. On return from the immersion ceremony, Bijoya greetings are exchanged; men perform ‘kola-kuli’ (hugging and embracing each other). This is followed by the distribution of sweets.

Since the idols are prepared from clay, they dissolve and do not result in pollution. Unlike some other Pujas where idols are made from plaster of paris and are harmful for the environment.

During these four days, the streets of Calcutta are busy for all of 24 hours with buses, trams and even the metro rail running non-stop. Mingling with the crowds, stepping on other’s toes and wincing with pain when others step on your own are experiences worth the trouble. At the end of it all, you return home, an exhausted individual whom the comforts of a nice warm bed welcome.

probashi pujas 2004

2004-10-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

(this is written based on a request of Manasi who posted a comment yesterday)

The exact point of time when Probasi Durga Pujas (also called Bahir Banger Pujas) was started is difficult to ascertain. It can be safely stated that it was but natural for the festivities to spread to neighboring states like Orissa and Bihar due to their proximity. Its reach widened when Bengalis took the bold decision of venturing out of their mothers’ apron strings. Initially, they were in the category of scientists and engineers – later, others joined the exodus when local opportunities started to dwindle. As a result, wherever there was a concentration of Bengalis, efforts were initiated to start the Pujas. Obviously, places like Jabalpur (ammunition factory), Bilaspur and Nagpur (headquarters of divisions of the railways), Bhilai, Raipur and Durg (steel factories), Mumbai (cine personalities, goldsmiths and silversmiths and BARC), Pune (Telco), Nasik (security press, aircraft factory), Bangalore (PSUs like HAL, BHEL, HMT etc..). Delhi (government servants, IAS officers etc..) took the lead in propagating Durga Pujas.

These celebrations last for four days and considerable amount of funds are involved. These funds are usually generated through voluntary donations of Patrons and well wishers, a large percentage of who belong to communities other than Bengalis. Therefore, the cultural programs organized on these occasions have to cater to their tastes too. In the recent past, the growing popularity of the Navaratri festivals and Dandiya dances, which coincide with Durga Puja, has affected the fund generation programs of most Puja committees.

In this brief piece, I will mention a few selected locations in Maharastra.

Since I am from Nasik, I will begin from here. In Nasik, there used to be only one Puja up to the late sixties held under the auspices of the Bengalis of the India Security Press and the Government of India Press. When the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited set up a factory in Nasik for the manufacture of fighter aircraft, there was a sizable induction of manpower – among them there were quite a few Bengalis. The location of the factory was 25 Kms away – hence, it came as no surprise when a second Puja was started by these Bengalis in a place called as Ojhar. This puja is now 35 years old!!

At a later date, an Air Force base was set up – along came one more Puja. Likewise, to cater to the growing Bengali population in the industrial areas of Satpur and Ambad, where many ancillary industries found permanent footholds, separate celebrations started. One of the main reasons for multiple pujas in the same city was the deterrent called distance – all the locations are at least 10 to 15 Kms away from the city centre and spread out in different directions like the spokes of a wheel! Most of the idols are of the conventional types and made in situ by artistes brought from Bengal. Each is unique in its own way. Whilst one relied on cultural programs with local talents, another encouraged small groups from Bengal giving them a chance to exhibit their specialties. Of course, orchestras by troupes from Mumbai and Pune had a universal appeal.

It is reported that in Mumbai, there are as many as 74 pujas!! The pujas in Madhavbagh of Jhaveri Bazaar is 75years old, similar to that of the Mumbai Durgabari Samiti’s pujas. The pujas in Navy Nagar are performed by the naval persons whilst at Sion it is the turn of the air force persons. Shivaji Park pujas is nearing the 70 year mark. In Bandra, the Notun Palli pujas is headed by film personalities. In Lokahandwala, the main organizer is the singer Abhijeet.

The largest puja in Pune is the one at Shivajinagar Congress Bhaban. During the festivities, stalls of Bengali sarees, sweets and eatables are added attractions. Bengalis from all over the city converge at this venue and, for a moment, you forget that you are far far away from Calcutta!!

puja fashions 2004

2004-10-15T07:37:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja festivals are the mother of all festivals.

The shopping spree on this occasion is something that remains unmatched in any part of the country. The latest fashions jump out from the popular soaps on TV and, by the time parents are able to satisfy the needs of their children, they are hard put to find items suitable for their own selves. The bigger the budget, the more difficult it is to satisfy all around. As is well known, this is the age of mini families – the breakaway groups suffer from a sense of guilt complex and feel that they also have to contribute some thing or the other to those who had nurtured them through thick and thin. Hence, when in the shops, these persons will buy tit bits for the old woman of the house called the mother or the old man, better known as the father. Added to these are the inclinations to please the in-laws, in case they happen to reside nearby. And then there are the domestic helps – they also need to be pampered to a certain extent, if one has to enjoy better services for the ensuing year!

A craze in 2004 is the ‘Nandini skirt’. It is a dress worn by one of the actresses of the most TV serial of the decade. Price starts from 250. The premier outlets are Treasure Island, Pantaloons, West Side, Bardan Market, Shopper’s Stop, Sri Ram Arcade, Metro Plaza etc.. The price range for a few varieties of children’s dresses and sarees as retrieved from current newspapers is as follows –

RIG T-shirts – 395 to 695
Akriti tunic – 499+
Annabelle shirt – 595 +
Honey T-shirt – 199+
JM shirt – 495+
Bare White T-shirt – 599+
Popeye T-shirt – 299+
Honey club wear – 499+
Honey trousers – 399+
Devadasi Benarasi – 3500+
Hazar buti benarasi – 1875+
Patli pallu benarasi – 2450+
Pashmina benarasi – 2200 – 8000
Diamond Devadasi benarasi – 9000 - 16000
Special silk jardausi – 2450 - 3450
Paithani silk – 2000 – 6000
Pili Kuthi silk – 1900 – 5000
Vasket – 2750 – 6000

The latest entry in the saree section is, undoubtedly, the Swarnachari sarees – a cousin of the Baluchari sarees – it is an example of superfine workmanship of golden zaree on silk. A product of Bishnupur, these are priced upward of Rs 3000 whereas the Balucharis are normally in the range of Rs 1800.00 up to Rs 3000.

Regarding other accessories of fashion – while some of the youth are going for spikes, others prefer Tom Cruise haircut. In the women’s section, options are U-cut, layers and front fringe. Shoes of the ‘crocodile mouth’ designs are the most popular.

Of course, the attractions in all purchases are the free gifts. As an outlet has announced – sweet packets worth Rs 51.00 will be given to purchases of Rs 500.00 and above. On the jewellery front, gold coins will be given free to purchases of over Rs 25000 and silver coins over Rs 10,000. Some jewelers declare ‘Lucky draws’ while others offer rebate on the ‘making charges’. The enticement of the readymade clothes dealers is ‘buy one and get one free’.

As they say, it takes all sorts to make a world!

idols of durga 2004

2004-10-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

As is well known, Bengalis are basically artists and poets art heart.
Every year, the Durga Puja presents opportunities to them to showcase their talent. This is revealed in the extraordinary methods employed and the innovativeness displayed in the makings of the idols. Conventional Pujas use a straw skeleton on which layers of clay are applied to give it the shape of the relevant deities. The mandaps (place where the idols are kept, rituals are performed and devotees come for darshan) are normally made of bamboos and different colored cloth pieces. However, on the occasion of these annual festivities, imagination goes wild and you find most unconventional materials being used. Based on reports in newspapers, I have compiled a few examples which I feel are worth putting on record for posterity.

There are a few prestigious Pujas where finance is never any constraint. Like the Ekdalia Evergreen, the Singhi Park, Santosh Mitra Square, Mohammed Ali Park, College Street, Park Circus Beniapukur etc.. For the organizers, conventionalism is passé. They do not feel it necessary to advertise them since they know people will flock to their Pujas, come what may. But, a whole lot of others leave no stone unturned to capture one of the prizes on offer by the corporate houses. Including sending spies a-la James Bond to find out the themes and strategies of competitors!!

So, here goes –

Khudiram palli (Behala) – the idols are made of mahogany tree trunks. The artist had, last year, made the idols of special clay called ‘pora mati’ – the idols were not immersed as is customary but were retained by a five star hotel for display in its lawns!

For Ajeya Sanhati, Haridevpur, the theme is Nagaland.

The theme of New Alipore Suruchi Sangha last year was Kerala, this year it is Rajasthan. The fine workmanship of the intricate grille work is likely to take your breath away. Golf Club Road Puja also has Rajasthan for its theme. The Golden fort of Jaisalmer is depicted on the outside whilst, the Junagad fort is inside. The 45 feet high mandap is made of plywood and bamboo.

The Adarshpalli puja on Roy Bahadur Road is displaying South East Asian Buddhist pagodas.
In North Calcutta (Ram Mohan Roy Road), ten lakh pencils have been procured to prepare the mandap. In Udayrajpur (Madhyamgram) the idols are made of wood shavings, whilst in Priya Nath Mallick Road (22 palli, Hazra) coal has been extensively used (nearly 1.5 tons).

Bhawanipur Durgotsav Committee has resorted to jute and its products - an added attraction here is an exhibition of jute products. Simultaneously, Vivekananda Athletic Club is promoting silk cocoons – tasar, muga and edi ) – here also an exhibition will be held on the life cycle of silk worms, history of silk etc.. Haridevpur 41 palli has employed the hard shell covering of ‘kad bel’s, strips of bamboo and leaves of the palash plant to construct their pandal. These ingredients were brought from Orissa, Jharkhand apart from districts of Bengal.

Lokpalli (Santoshpur Lake) has procured 40,000 hand held fans (called ‘talpatar pakha’ – fans made out of the leaves of palm trees) from South Bengal – on them stories of Manasa Mangal will be depicted through drawings and paintings. The pandal will also be made of these hand fans!

The Putiary Club of South Calcutta is celebrating its platinum jubilee – hence, its pandal is being made of marble. Ichapur Harisabha Sangha, Barrackpore, is displaying an ancient palace with ancient carvings on its walls. Alongside, the Lake View Park Sarbojanin is building a pandal like that where Godess Athena is worshipped – the idol of Durga is in Grecian fashion.

Regarding different themes, Kalighat Sarbojanin Maha Shakti puja has selected Tagore’s favorite poem – kumar parar gorur garhi (means ‘the bullock cart of the den of potters’). A complete potter village, replete with bullock carts and characters created by Tagore will be on display. Similarly, South Selimpur 94 palli is putting on display that famous short story of Tagore – Kabuliwallah (the man from Kabul). There was a hit film based on the same story where the role of Kabuliwallah was played by Chhabi Biswas, the doyen of Bengali films. The influence of Tagore is evident in some other pandals also. like Jadu Mallick Road in North and Nepal Bhattacharji Street 66 palli on Rash Behari in the South – the former has selected ‘bidushak’ and the latter ‘khudita pashan’ (the hungry stones).

Happy viewing to all Calcuttans – for others, if you can make it to Calcutta, you can add to the list, appreciate the variety and understand why Bengalis are what they are!!

oh kolkata my calcutta

2004-10-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Does anyone recollect the Calcutta where marketing on the occasion of Durga Puja used to be in the Harlalka opposite Medical College or in the India Silk House on College Street or the Kamalalaya Stores on Dharamtolla Street? Does anyone recollect that purchase of footwear would be kept in abeyance till the day when all the latest designs and prices would be disclosed on the last page of leading newspapers? Does anyone recollect a park called Wellington Square where Political parties would organize meetings on Saturdays?

Kamalalaya Stores was the only Departmental Store where one could get lost for the whole day, without realizing it. It stocked every conceivable object from safety pins to suitcases. There was a Section devoted to toys and a wonderful refreshment room – a visit to both these was a must after completion of purchases. In order to make the experience more memorable, one need no carry along all his purchases. They would automatically move to the Centralized Delivery counter located at the exit. Private cars were not as common as they are today, therefore, the uniformed guard would arrange a taxi for you, if you so desired.

For those with shoe string budgets, there would be products aplenty in the various Hawkers’ Corners.

Does anyone recollect trudging along to see the Durga idols at the Headquarters of the Fire Brigade or the one at Beadon Street? Both were famous for innovative designs – I still remember the idol of the Fire Brigade where Asura was depicted as kneeling down in front of Devi Durga and pleading with outstretched arms for mercy. Or the idols at Beadon Street modeled in lines of Ajanta frescos. There were also the celebrations at Baghbazar where the fair was an added attraction. Microphones all around would air melodious songs released on the occasion and rendered by renowned artistes like Sandhya, Lata, Asha, Protima, Hemanta, Shyamal, Manna Dey and Talat Mahmood. There also used to be parodies by Mintu Dasgupta or comics by the duo Bhanu-Jahar. Hit films would also be released during the Pujas apart from Special editions of popular magazines. An author then had the liberty of writing as per his own choice. Unlike today when he is commissioned to write on a specific subject. The reason is obvious – with so many writers in the market, there is every likelihood of repetition of themes and subjects if left to individual tastes and fancies.

Of course, there existed a great cultural divide between residents of the North and the South. Whilst the former were more conservative, their counterparts were more liberal, progressive and advanced. Soon after the release of that beautiful cinema ‘Hatari’, a restaurant of the same name opened on Rash Behari Avenue. It was an instant success and would be patronized by the youth of both North and South. Subsequently, this divide kept expanding, especially with people from other parts of the country preferring to settle down in pockets of South Calcutta. There were Malayalees, Maharastrians and Bangaloreans. Kolkata welcomed all of them with outstretched arms and, from them, emerged luminaries like Usha Uthup, Thankomani Kutty, Derek O’Brien and Dr. N. Vishwanathan.

Kolkata today is a maze of flyovers and potholes.

A change of name is not an indication of a change of character or culture. The roads get waterlogged even now, as it used to fifty years ago. Does anyone recollect that song – ‘the ladies of Calcutta…’ sung by Peter Sellers in the film ‘the Millionairess’.

other side of durga puja

2004-10-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

the durga puja

2004-10-10T01:12:00.000-07:00

Durga Puja is really a massive affair.

Spread out over a period of four hectic days, with different rituals being performed each day, the ingredients required vary from simple things like dew drops, the soil dug up by rats and the soil from the doorsteps of a prostitute to a set of 108 lotus flowers. It is stated in the scriptures that, when Lord Rama decided to perform the Puja before starting on his journey to vanquish Ravana, the Godess Durga hid one of the lotus flowers. She wanted to test the sincerity of Rama. When Rama discovered the loss, he picked up his arrow and was about to pluck out one of his eyes and offer it to the Godess. She was pleased with his sincerity and blessed him.

By the time Mahalaya is over, the clay image makers of Kumartuli commence work on the final decorations of Durga and her retinue. With every passing day, the beautiful images take shape to adorn the pandals for four days so that devotees can assemble to offer prayers and obtain her blessings. Side by side, pandals are erected under the supervision of the committee members. The decorations attract devotees from far and near who arrive in large numbers decked out in all their finery to witness the spectacles of artistic decorations coupled with out-of-the-world lighting. In recent years, these aspects have gained considerable importance because of awards declared by leading business houses and corporate entities. In order to select the best of the best, teams of eminent luminaries visit the pandals and try to weigh the artistic appeal of one from another for gradation. A superhuman task!!

Early in the morning of Saptami, before sunrise, a banana plant is taken to the nearby river or source of water, cleaned and draped in a cloth along with nine types of leaves to form what is known as the Nabapatrika. The plants are kachu, haridra, jayanti, bel, dalim, ashok, mankachu and paddy. The banana plant itself is the ninth variety.

This banana plant is supposed to be the bride of Ganesha and the process is termed as ‘kala-bau’ snan. The ‘kala-bau’ is brought back in a procession to the sacred place of worship, located in a prominent place and the invocation of Durga begins.

This is a symbolic gesture of paying homage to Mother Nature.

From Saptami, people start thronging pandal after pandal. Road blocks are common. Children getting lost are natural. Youngsters walking barefoot holding on to their shoes by the shoe laces does not evoke laughter but pity because the poor souls have learnt where and how a new shoe pinches!! Durgotsav comes but once a year – everyone wants it to be as memorable as possible.
The next day is Maha Ashtami – the main day of the Puja. In yesteryears, there used to be a compulsory sacrifice of an animal (lamb). Nowadays, a token sacrifice of some vegetable is still performed in domestic Pujas. In community puja pandals, maximum number of devotees turns up to pray to Devi Durga for her blessings. Community lunches are also arranged on this occasion and, devotees, irrespective of caste, creed or religion sit down together for lunch – usually of khichudi.

Sandhi puja falls at the transition point of Ashtami and Navami.

This is observed mostly by the women folk. They fast until completion of the puja and then break their fast by partaking food prepared especially for Devi Durga. Sometimes, these Pujas are held early in the morning at two or three o’ clock!! And, the ladies fast up to that time.
Navami is the day when Kumari puja is done. Kumari puja means worshipping a virgin girl. Normally, a girl child who has not attained puberty is selected. She is dressed up in all finery and Pujas performed. She is then showered with gifts.

After Navami comes Dasami (or Visarjan) – the last day of festivities when Devi Durga prepares to leave for her abode in the Himalayas. She is bid adieu in the same manner as a mother would bid adieu to her daughter. The idols are then taken in a procession to the nearby river, lake or other body of water and immersed. People accompanying the cavalcade appear downcast. On return from the immersion ceremony, Bijoya greetings are exchanged; men perform ‘kola-kuli’ (hugging and embracing each other). This is followed by the distribution of sweets.

Since the idols are prepared from clay, they dissolve and do not result in pollution. Unlike some other Pujas where idols are made from plaster of paris and are harmful for the environment.
During these four days, the streets of Calcutta are busy for all of 24 hours with buses, trams and even the metro rail running non-stop. Mingling with the crowds, stepping on other’s toes and wincing with pain when others step on your own are experiences worth the trouble. At the end of it all, you return home, an exhausted individual whom the comforts of a nice warm bed welcome.

mahalaya

2004-10-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

As October makes its entry, the monsoon clouds recede in the distant horizon to be replaced by an azure blue sky with flakes of fluffy white moving at a leisurely pace from one end of the sky to the other. There is a chill in the early morning air with drops of dew covering the grass carpet beneath your feet. The tender corns of paddy sway in the breeze, rivers are full, the trees regain their charm, flowers bloom all over the countryside and birds disturb the silence with their happy chirpings. There is no need to announce that Sharodatsav has arrived! You can literally feel the festive mood setting in. The Eastern part goes gaga over Durga Puja, the North and the South prepare to burn effigies of the demon King Ravana to celebrate Dussera, whilst the West gets ready to dance to the tunes of dandiya to usher in Navaratri.

When the train enters the boundaries of Bengal, one can immediately experience the change and homesickness grips him. In order to become one with the elements, he gets down at Khragpur station, paces up and down the platform and has a cup of tea served in a ‘khuri’ (small earthen container that can fit into your palm!) to enjoy the full Bengali flavor. Then he searches his favorite snacks – shingara and vegetable chops!!

Durgotsav, as it is called in Bengal, starts from Mahalaya – this is the day that Godess Durga is supposed to have started her journey from her husband’s house in Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas to come to her mother’s place in Bengal accompanied by her children. On this auspicious day, early in the morning, at four o’ clock to be precise, a two hour long program is broadcast in Bengali from Aklashvani Kolkata. A translated version in Hindi is subsequently transmitted from all other important radio stations. The translation is restricted to only the text. The beautiful memorable songs are left untouched. Many of the artistes are no longer in our midst but their recorded voices still reverberate in each and every Bengali house on Mahalaya day. Titled ‘Mahisasurmardini’ (which means ‘the slayer of the demon-in-the-guise-of-a-buffalo’) this program narrates how Durga was conceived, how she was armed with a variety of weapons given by the Gods to destroy the demon and how she achieved her goal bringing peace and happiness to the World.

A two hour pre-recorded cassette titled ‘Mahisasurmardini’ has been released by the Gramophone Company of India (Ltd), Calcutta in 1983. Recitation of the shlokas is by Birendra Krishna Bhadra and Music Direction is by Pankaj Kumar Mallick. It comes in a set of two cassettes and the Catalogue No. is FPHV842114/115. It was broadcast for the first time way back in 1932!! Birendra Krishna Bhadra was only 28 years old at that time. 2004 happens to be his centeneray year.

The demon ‘mahisasur’ signifies the umpteen-plus-one faces of evil and the weapons of Durga signify the innumerable weapons at our own disposal to tackle the evils that we face every day. Listening to the wonderful rendering of Mahisasurmardini as the cool autumn dawn slowly breaks over the horizon while sipping a cup of tea snuggled in the comforts of the blanket is a heavenly feeling. The whole world wakes up from slumber to greet the onset of Durga Puja of which Mahalaya is the first step.

On Mahalaya day, another important ritual is to remember our ancestors by doing the ‘tarpan’. It is performed by offering token food and water in the names of those who were our near and dear ones but who are no longer alive.

Normally, bonus to all employees are paid latest by Mahalaya – hence, the shopping spree also gains momentum with shops displaying the latest designs, offering discounts on earlier unsold stocks and inviting customers to participate in various gift schemes.

The whole world wakes up from slumber to greet the onset of Durga Puja of which Mahalaya is the first step.

ganapati bappa moriya

2004-10-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

The ten day long Ganesh festival is celebrated in Maharastra in a gorogeous manner.

This year it commence from the 18th September.

Originally a festival celebrated in the confines of ones homes, it has now become a Public show celebrated with pomp and grandeur, a sort of mass movement. India’s Iron man Bal Gangadhar Tilak, during the freedom fighting days, used this opportunity to unite the masses against the British. Today, Tilak is not there but the tradition carries on. Donations are pooled together from the common man and huge pandals are erected, extensively decorated with lights and adorned with large images of Lord Ganesh, popularly known as Ganapati. Each celebration committee tries to outdo the other in decoration and lighting and, young and old move from pandal to pandal taking in the spectacles with awe. Political patronage adds a new dimension and makes competitions more intense. With 2004 being declared as the Election year, the codes of conduct defined by the EC cannot be violated. Hence, brains are working overtime to identify escape routes, so that the dictates of the EC are taken into account while formulating the programmes and controlling the extent and magnitude of celebrations.

Last year I had seen a Ganesh made of cashew nuts, almonds and copra (dried coconuts). It drew crowds only for its innovative presentation. The annual Pune festival is celebrated during these festivities. TV channels transmit video footages of these pandals so that, even without moving from the house, we can enjoy and be a part of the festivities.

In the recent past, quite a number of our youngsters have shifted overseas to take advantage of greener pastures. They are fondly called NRIs. In order to cater to their needs, innumerable websites have cropped up offering a whole range and variety of products and services. Knick-knacks like key chains, lockets, wrist bands with the motif of Ganesh are usually in great demand. These could be of gold or silver or even platinum embedded with precious stones. Money is no problem for the NRIs because they pay in dollars and use credit cards. There are also photographs and paintings on sale. Vendors eagerly wait for the smallest of excuses to dump leftovers on the unsuspecting Public and festivals of such magnitude present them with wonderful opportunities. The products are non perishable; hence a bit of polishing can do the trick!

Then, there are the sites which help you to perform the Puja yourself – the mantras are uttered with perfect diction and, accompanied by appropriate devotional music in the background, one momentarily forgets that he is in Memphis, USA and not in Mumbai!! The process rekindles old memories and brings back what is called ‘home sicknesses’.

On the 14th day that is on Anantha Chaturdashi the images are immersed in the local rivers or lakes. In Mumbai, these are immersed in the Arabian Sea. The TV networks dutifully relay the complete proceedings and, the preparations are really and truly breathtaking. With chantings of ‘ganapatti bappa moriya, pudcha barsha laukar ya!’ we bid adieu to the Lord Ganesh requesting him to come early next year.

festivals of india

2004-10-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

India is a large, beautiful and bountiful country. It could be renamed Utopia, if only there were less number of festivals! Unfortunately, whilst Christians, like the Muslims and Buddhists believe in only one God, we Indians have a multitude of them. The Bengalis have aptly coined a phrase – ‘baro mashey tero parban’ meaning twelve months and thirteen festivals! There are enough valid reasons for having so many of them – the country is large, dialects are many, climatic conditions vary from area to area. Obviously, if one part of the country celebrates a festival to pay homage to the Gods for a good harvest, those in some other area will have to wait for their turn.

Another factor which influences the decision to have a multiplicity of festivals is to honor the social hierarchy. I am no socialist, I have no ill feelings against any group but, it has to be agreed that celebration of festivals lead to monetary gains by certain sections of society. The power to interact with the divine elements is bestowed only on certain groups, hence they are very much in demand to perform the rituals and are in a position to dictate terms. In order to perform these rituals, specific items are required – as a result, those who are involved in their manufacture get an opportunity to market their products. New dresses and utensils are mandatory whereas sweets and firecrackers add to the charms of any festival – hence, these also gain importance. It, therefore, stands to reason that the more the festivals, the greater is the satisfaction level of all concerned.

Let us take the New Year. The whole world celebrates it on the first day of January. The Bengalis celebrate it on the first day of January apart from pehla Baishakh, (in the middle of April) - Baishakh being the first month of the Bengali calendar. On this occasion, the business community worships Sri Ganesha the God of Prosperity. Right from the smallest of shopkeepers to the largest of retail store owners, especially the jewelers invite their regulars and try to rope in new comers into their exclusive chain. On the other hand, worshipping of Ganeshji is a ten day festival in Maharastra and is performed in each and every household and not confined to the business community only.

The Sikhs celebrate their new year on the day prior to that of the Bengalis. The Sikhs call it Baisakhi and bhangra dances usher in the Punjabi New Year.

Similarly, the kite festival for the Bengalis coincides with the worship of Lord Viswakarma, the God of Engineering. On this occasion, every worker cleans all his machines and associated tools and worships Lord Viswakarma to seek his blessings so that outputs for the next year can be given as planned without anything adverse happening. In the South, Lord Viswakarma is worshipped during Ayudh Puja (the day previous to Dassera) and the kite festival is not linked to this at all. The kite festival is held on Sankranti day. Holi is yet another festival which is celebrated mainly in the North and the East on the full moon day – but, in Maharastra, it is shifted by five days and called as Rang Panchami.

The reasons for staggering the festivals and having so many of them seem to be related to business strategies. With less number of festivals, the sale of consumer goods get restricted to only that period but, in India, there are no such restrictions. The whole world is a stage and each day brings with it newer opportunities to jump on to the bandwagon to share the spoils!