it was "that time of the year"

It is this that time of the year when this city suddenly comes alive. The long drawn rainy season comes to an end, the weather is most pleasant, the unique smell of autumn fills the air and most importantly, there is a hang of festivity in the atmosphere. The dhaks beating rhythmically in the distance are pleasing to the ear for once, as if letting the whole city know that it is that time of the year – those few days when everyone forgetting all else, allow themselves to be submerged under this tide of festivity.

Yes, this is the Durga Puja of Calcutta…

Today is the last day of festivity, Vijay Dashmi, when the Goddess returns to Her heavenly abode and the people bid adieu with a heavy heart, but not too heavy either, because they know that next year, these happy days shall be back again.

And this year, probably I enjoyed these few days like never before, though I did nothing very special. Pujas for me started a day in advance, i.e., on Panchami itself, when Rohit and I went out on a late night ride on his scooter to have a look at the Pujas in our locality, but having been struck by a moment of craziness, we went on to see few of the most famous pandals in the city, all of them more than 10 kilometers away from home. We had a great time since the crowd at these places was ideal - neither too crowded, nor too deserted. We congratulated ourselves for taking this crazy decision, because we saw these pujas at a comfort level, none could imagine. The return journey was somewhat chilly, since we were in half pants and t-shirts, and the wind was pretty cool.

The whole of the next (i.e. Shashti) and most of the day after (Saptami) was spent at office. However, on Saptami, after coming back from office at 7, I along with Sayantan (probably my oldest friend) went off to Maddox Square, the hub of college and school students. There I met many of my school friends and had a good adda session. I was meeting most of these guys after almost a year and it was a real pleasure to be back with them. I also spent sometime with Devjit, another very close friend, someone whose company I always look forward to. The DBPC group then went on to have dinner at some corny place at Gol Park, and then it was back home.

I spent the next two evening with Mom, Dad and Yash (my little cousin), hopping from one pandal to another in South Calcutta. We did not venture into any of the very famous places, but still, we saw some really beautiful pandals and images. It is really heartening to see that nowadays, even the middle and low budget Pujas try their best to come up with artistic and novel ideas.

I also saw the “Maut ka Kuan” for the first time, where these people ride motorbikes and cars on the walls of an artificial well. I realized that one can have a good time with parents too and I did take pleasure in moving around with them, enjoying the festive atmosphere, without having to wait in long queues.

Toady, in the wee hours, I went out with mama and all to see the famous Pujas in south Calcutta and I must admit that I was struck with awe and admiration at the beauty and the art of these pandals. They are nothing but exquisite pieces of art, and I felt proud to belong to the city that houses such wonderful artisans and also people who value the art. In the evening I went with Rohit to see the burning of Ravan’s effigy at the Brigade Parade Ground. It was preceded by Ram Lila, a short dance drama. It was really well performed and I found the little monkeys real sweet. I saw the Dussera celebrations for the first time and it was enjoyable. The fireworks that followed were not bad, though they were nothing great either.

And here I am now, recalling all what I did over the last few days. I managed to enjoy everything. I saw all the very famous Pujas and also the not so famous ones, had a couple of first experiences, spent time with my school pals, with my parents, with my mama and also with my closest friend, Rohit.

All in all, the most perfect way I could have spent these days of festivity.