Nostalgic Durga Puja

Nostalgic Durga Puja
Shyamal Chakravarti Green

Our government residence near Dakshineswar and its simple Durga Puja are mixed with autumn memories. The pavilion would be decorated with the light of long bulbs without any splendor, I did not know what the theme puja was. That soft light would fill my mind before Mahalaya. This festival would be decorated with a small donation and sincerity.
I was in class three then. From Shasthi to Dashami, the tune of the dhaki coming from the village would ring in my ears. At night, the aunts would make all the arrangements for the puja together. The memory of the Dhunuchi dance on the night of Vijaya Dashami still moves my mind. Today, those aunts are no more, but their memories remain. Those days of enjoying khichuri on Ekadashi and going from house to house to get sweets and nadu on Vijaya still make me nostalgic.
And I remember the memory of learning the names of the ten weapons in the ten hands of Mother Durga.  The trident was a gift from Shiva, which is a symbol of the three worlds. Vishnu gave his beautiful chakra, which destroys all evil forces. Vayu gave him the bow and arrow, Agni gave him the power, and Varun gave him the conch and the side. Himalayas gave Durga the lion, Indra gave her the thunderbolt. Kuber gave her the mace, and Kal brought the sword and shield. In this way, each god prepared Maa Durga with their most powerful weapons to kill Mahishasura. I would be fascinated to hear those stories. How much joy there was in a new shirt and pants! When I remember these memories, I want to go back to that childhood again and again.

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