Durga Puja and Kolkata

‘Abhi you look so handsome.' Mrinal complemented her husband who is wearing a Bengali traditional Dhuti and Panjabi. ‘Thank you Baby and you look breathtakingly beautiful as always.' Mrinal laughed hearing his complement ‘Now let's go Anjali will be started.' ‘As you command my queen.' Today is Maha Astami. The eighth day of Durga Puja celebrations is known as Durgashtami, or Durga Ashtami. It is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the most auspicious day according to Hinduism. It falls on bright lunar fortnight Ashtami tithi of Aswina month according to the Hindu calendar. Last few months were difficult for them. But their love grew more strong. It doesn't matter for Abhay Singh Raizada that love of his life is carrying the blood of the murderer of his parents. She was pure and she is his love. Chatterjee family still didn't know anything about that day. Mrinal started her college again and after this semester she will complete her Masters' Degree. They came Kolkata to celebrate Durga Puja on the day of Shashti. They would have come to Chatterjee house on the day of Mahalaya. But they were busy in distribution of food and cloths due to festivals. Mrinal even invited Isha and Rima but they couldn't come. Abhay and Mrinal reached the Puja Mandap. All the people were there. The melodious sound of Dhak can be heard in the whole locality. Ma Durga comes to earth with her four children to meet her parents for five days. The blue autumn sky brings happiness to people's faces. The blooming Kas flowers give the news of Mother's arrival. The divine smell of Shiuli feels the hearts with joy. Barsha and Adi were standing with their fathers. Abhay stood beside his brother – in – laws. Mrinal joined her mothers and sister – in – laws for work. Joining her hands in front of Goddess Durga she prayed for the wellbeing of her family. Soon the priest started chanting holy mantras. Abhay was standing beside Mrinal along with other family members. He was also offering Anjali. After 22 years he is standing in front of god. That day he again prayed to god to save Mrinal when she was inside the operation theatre fighting for her life and the god heard his prayers. As the Anjali was finished people offered flowers on the feet of Goddess Durga. At the end of the puja Prasad was distributed. Soon the evening came. The whole day they were inside the Mandap watching the puja. Durga Puja is always special for Bengalis. It is believed that this festival exemplifies the victory of good over evil, as Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. Mridul and Priyanka were crazy about pandal hopping. Even Brishti and Adi couldn't be spry like them. So the duo bid good bye to the family for a whole night pandal hopping. Adi and Brishti went to their great grandparents' room. Devika went with other ladies. Aroni served everyone the tasty eggless cake everyone as during the whole Durga Puja they eat only Veg foods. Sitting on the rooftop of Chatterjee house Devika, Vishal, Aroni, Mihir, Avijit, Amrita, Arti, Sneha, Anuj and Mainak were having a nice family time. Mrinal and Abhay just left the place. *In front of the Chatterjee House* ‘Abhi are you sure?' ‘Of course Baby. Now hold me tight Baby. I am going to fly it.' Mrinal hold him tightly from back. Soon they reached North Kolkata. The bike ride was amazing for Mrinal. Though they had bike ride in Paris but this was totally different. The whole city was decorated with different types of lights. Abhay parked his favourite bike near the Pandal and hold Mrinal's hand. ‘Baby don't leave my hand. It's very much crowded.' ‘Well I know this whole city Mr. Singh Raizada.' ‘My baby still I don't want you to get lost.' ‘I know moreover at least 10 bodyguards are here for me.' She whispered in his ears. ‘That's for your safety.' ‘Well my husband is enough.' Mrinal giggled and hold him tightly. Abhay kissed their joined hands and they went inside the pandal. *Early morning* Abhay picked up Mrinal in his arms and went inside their Mansion. It was 5 am at morning. Whole night they almost visited all the pandals of North Kolkata. Mrinal became so tired that she slept leaning her head on his shoulder. So Abhay called his men and they went back to their mansion in his car. Last night was really fun for them. Abhay never thought that he will walk in the crowd and enjoy his time with his wife. He kissed her lips and pecked her forehead. He changed his cloths and then he changed her cloths. He made her wear one of his shirt and laid her on the bed. Mrinal was already sleeping peacefully. Abhay also slept hugging her small frame. *In Chatterjee house* Amrita opened the house and found Mridul and Priyanka. ‘Finally you people are back. How was it my babies?' She yawned as it was only 5 am. ‘It's awesome ma. I want to visit more but this stupid Mridul didn't let me.' Priyanka made a pout. Mridul sighed knowing she will not let him unil she completely visits the whole Kolkata. ‘Go and take rest. Today is Nabami, puja will be started from 8.30 am.' ‘Ok ma/Ok sona ma.' Priyanka and Mridul replied and went to their respective rooms. Mridul changed his cloths and joined his wife in bed. Mridul caressed her cheeks and kissed her lips. Aroni moved towards him and put her head on his chest. On the hand, Priyanka entered in her room tiptoed. She doesn't want to disturb her husband's sleep. She softly dropped her bag and went to bathroom. After getting freshen up she climbed up on bed. As soon as she climbed up on bed she was pulled towards her husband's chest. ‘You smell divine Priya.' ‘You are still awake?!' ‘I can't sleep without you. Now you are here I can sleep.' Priyanka smiled and hugged him. Many years passed away but both the couple couldn't help but fell in love with their partners each and every day again and again. *2 hours later* Mrinal got up due to alarm. ‘Aj toh vishon late hoi geche!!' She thought looking at the clock. (Today I am so late.) She looked at her husband and kissed his cheeks. She got up and hurriedly went to bathroom. Reaching inside the bathroom she looked at her reflection on mirror. ‘I was wearing a saree last night then...?' Her thoughts stopped when her subconscious replied ‘It must be your Mafia Husband who changed your cloths.' She totally became red like tomato. Then she remembered that she needs to hurry. She took bath and went out. Looking at bed she understood Abhay must be inside another bathroom. After getting freshen up and taking bath they settled for breakfast. Mrinal made him eat his food and his medicines. She was keeping fast as always after arguing with Abhay god knows for how many days. Soon they reached Chatterjee house. Their whole day went with puja, sound of dhak, kids' playing around the pandal. In the evening, the Sandhya Aarti was done. Little Adi and Barsha were busy with their friends. On the hand. Mridul was badly teasing Abhay. ‘So which places did you visit last night?' Mridul knew Abhay can't pronounce Bengali properly till now. ‘I don't remember the names.' Abhay replied being annoyed. ‘Oooo.' ‘By the way Dadabhai can you please go with Boudibhai tonight?' Before Mihir can reply Priyanka pulled his ears ‘And why so?' ‘Ahh!! It hurts Boudibhai.' ‘It should.' Abhay mocked him. ‘Now why you want me to go with him knowing he will sleep while driving the bike?' ‘Well I need rest. You are so energetic that I can run behind you.' Mridul cutely said. ‘Aww!! My brother, you should think about it 6 years back.' Mihir teased him. Mihir sighed knowing that she can win with this couple. Aroni laughed at her husband who will not get sleep tonight also because he has to go for pandal hopping with his sister – in – law. With laughter and talking the evening went well. It was late night Mrinal came back to room with Abhay and others went back to their rooms. ‘Oh good how much they fight with each other?' Mrinal giggled remembering how Vishal and Devika fought about a silly reason. ‘It will be fine by tomorrow. It's just that Chote papa has to bring new gifts for her.' Soon they settled on the bed. Abhay was hugging her stomach. ‘Baby actually last night I changed your cloths. You were sleeping so I did it.' ‘I know Abhi.' ‘I couldn't take your permission Baby. I am sorry.' ‘You don't need Abhi.' *Next Day* Mrinal wore a beautiful traditional Bengali saree. The red colour was making her more vibrant. She wore some light golden jewelleries as her mother and aunties insisted her. Today is last day of Durga Puja, Bijaya Dashami. Even elders were sad just like kids. The whole day went well. Mrinal prepared the Baron Thala with betal leaves, an golden ornament, sondesh (sweets), shidur (vermillion), alta with other ladies. It was time for Baron. All the married ladies performed Baron. Mrinal also performed Baron. The shidur was touched by Mrinal at the idol's feet and forehead. The betel leaves were offered to The Goddess to greet Her. The sondesh was offered to Devi Durga to make her memories sweet. Devika also performed Baron as others guided her with rituals. After the Devi Baron, women put the remaining shidur on the cheeks, forehead, and iron bangles of other married women present at the Puja Mandap. Only married women are allowed to participate in this ritual. Young girls indulged into the 'Khela"(playing) part of the ritual to celebrate their love and devotion for the Goddess. Abhay looked at Mrinal's hair partition which was filled with shidur. It was just a mere vermillion which was making his woman divinely beautiful. Mrinal smiled at him and his heart skipped a beat. ‘Abhi come here na, Dhunuchi Nach will be started soon.' ‘Yes Mira.' Soon the Dhunuchi Nach was started. People were cheering the performers. But Abhay was looking at a particular person. It was his Baby. He was looking at her being awestruck. He was afraid about the incense burner can harm her. He wasn't ready to let her go but Mridul and Mihir were there for her. The vibrant and colourful ritual is a fascinating sight to behold on this felicitous day. The celebration was enhanced with Dhunuchi Nach, Devi's Arati and idol immersion (Bisarjan). The ritual was followed by offering sweets and veg-snacks, prepared specially for this occasion, to one another. Younger ones touched feet of their elders and took blessings. People greeted each other and joined for refreshments like sweets, Mishti Doi (sweet curd) etc. All the people went back to their houses late at night. The Puja ended but the happiness was still there. Kids like Adi and Barsha again started counting days for the next year. Ma Durga will again come on next year to bring happiness, prosperity and smiles. ***************************************** *****************************************