Every morning,I wake up and follow the same routine.Mornings are usually same to me except this one I had while having a first sip of my Coffee. A maple tree by my window turning to yellow-orange reminded me of the "kash phool",the white feathery grass that are the heralds of Upcoming Durga Puja in my native country.While this entire country is preparing for the approaching autumn fall and the spooky Halloween,my mind travels back to far homeland to revisit the memories of Durga Puja.October marks the beginning of all festive season around the world and in my country,India, this festive season starts with Durga Puja,one of the grandest festivals of my country.
Well,you might be wondering what this festival actually is.Durga Puja is the biggest annual Hindu festival traditionally celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal,Assam,Odisha,Tripura.The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil though the goddess epitomizes the motherly power behind all of life and creation. This nine days long festival is observed by worshipping the goddess Durga who is an embodiment of strength and power(shakti).Defeating the evil that has been ravaged the world,Devi Durga stays in her house with her four children(Lakshmi,Saraswati,Kartik,Ganesha)for nine days only to be united with her husband Shiva on the tenth day,also known as Vijayadashami.The devotees pour their heart out to pay homage to the deity and finally we bid adieu by following the ritual of visarjan of the goddess and her four children.
For me,now Durga Puja means recalling the bygone days.So many things about this festival that my mind is filled with–those innumerable things I've been doing since my childhood: long break from studies,going for shopping,plucking "kash phool" with my friends,the sound of never ending drumbeats,dhunuchi nach(a traditional dancing surrounding the idol),the smell of new clothes,the joy of exchanging new clothes among those who matter to us,the ringing laughter of friends, the festive feasting,pandel hopping with family and friends,performing singing and dancing and lots of fun and enjoyment. All these used to be the essence of puja have remained in memories.
With the changing time,the meaning of Puja has found a different perspective.One thing I've realized how far we stay away from our family,we'll always be connected through festivals.Festive season acts as a medium of putting everyone together at least virtually,if not physically,by remembering each other and sharing the joy of happiness together.It gives us a chance to celebrate and make it the best days of our lives.For sometime,we take little break from our daily routine and flow away with the season.
Have a lovely festive season.
WordPress.com
No comments:
Post a Comment