Echoes of Festivity

As the soft glow of my desk lamp illuminates the room, I find myself transported to the streets of Kolkata, my hometown, where the air is thick with the fragrance of incense and the beats of the dhak drums. Durga Pujo covers the city in its warm embrace, and my heart, though miles away in this hostel room, is tethered to the festivities.

The beauty of Durga Puja in Bengal is unparalleled, a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, art, and devotion. It's a celebration that transcends time and space,my heart felt heavy with the longing to be there, amidst the pandemonium of joy and the symphony of cultural richness.

In my mind's eye, I could feel the pandals of different themes, speaking a story, standing tall, each a testament to artistic brilliance. The theme-based pandals of 2023 have taken creativity to new heights, and I ache to witness their grandeur in person. The whispers of mythology, the hues of contemporary issues, and the strokes of artistic expression combine to create a visual feast for the soul.

One pandal that has captured my imagination is the "Kashi Bose Lane pandal" the image of a caged woman behind the Durga idol and the sculpture of a young girl before the deity tries to generate awareness on the abuse of women in society. As one enters the pandal, there are models of girls with chains tied to their feet, juxtaposed with models of girls holding books. It gives a messege that despite hundreds of Durgas in our households being ill-treated, violated, and abused, yet they aspire to defy all odds to realize their dreams. Every single detail brought goosebumps. If you haven't seen , please go through it on YouTube.

Then, there's the 'Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsab' that has chosen the theme of 'Ritumati'(the issue of menstrual hygiene) to debunk prejudices and create social awareness. It covers various images that drive home the lessons of personal health and hygiene for girls as well as educating boys to handle this issue with an open mind.

The amalgamation of tradition with a touch of whimsy paints a surreal picture, a testament to the artistic prowess of the creators. From Kumartuli Park Pandal to Salt Lake every street and every corner is illuminated with the colors of joy.

The streets of Kolkata come alive with the spirit of festivity during this time. The rhythmic beats of the dhak drums resonate through the air, creating a heartbeat that synchronizes with the collective joy of the city. The laughter of children, the chatter of families, and the scent of street food fill every corner, making the city alive with celebration.

Yet, in the midst of this vivacious chaos, there's an emptiness within me. The clinking of glasses in toasts, and the shared laughter with friends feel like distant echoes. I miss the camaraderie, the shared plates of delicious bhog, and the feeling of being surrounded by loved ones during this time of revelry,-witnessing everything virtually this year.

whenever I close my eyes, I feel the laughter, the lights, the vibrant colors – they wrap around me like a familiar embrace, a reminder of the love that resides in the heart of Kolkata during Durga Puja.

If you ever get a chance then do visit 'Kolkata-the city of joy', during Durga pujo, and believe me you won't regret it.

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