The view of how to enjoy this part of the year has changed over years. Not sure about the why part but the transformation had been pretty seamless. Faintly remember it was 1978 the year of major flood in eastern India. We had travelled to Kashmir as part of my father's bi yearly LTC program of his PSU package. I hardly understood what LTC is and why it is important then. And all I knew about package was the big fat “Hold all” (not all people of my generation also knows this word) – a thick cotton bag , generally very dull in color, which had a capacity to push is a couple of me and then a robust belts to tie it hard for long distance journey. We took one to Kashmir and had been to one of the Kali bari to be a part of Durga Puja celebration up on the hills. That was the fun - travel, tourism and hunt for Durga in alien land. What a game. The joy was more in hunting than the discovery. In pursuit of this hunt bumped into many more unknowns. It is Puja time once more. My friends on face book have posted all forms of Durga from different parts of the world. Thy name is technology. Governments hugged each other and opened up the immigration gates. People flew across and with them flew the culture. Well off-course some scientist brothers thought beyond to build a machine that can fly and business men strategied over years to make that perfect. Science had always worked hard to meet the desires of Art.
Today in the world of themes in every corner, Durga Puja(s) in my city are all theme based attractive packages glorified with commercial awards and sponsorships. With aging parents was sharing family time, when the glossy news channel projected one of the local Puja committee celebration who have chosen Kashmir as their theme. Camera focused on fair complexion young girls in kashmiri cloaks dancing folklore. Press edition showed how countless pandal hopper are jostling to feel the numbness of the land which is so vibrant amidst the cold ambiance. It reminded me of that LTC tour. Hazy memories flashed through some in order and some in disorder.
Pondered what is the best memory of all times that stood to epitomise the celebration around.It was more than a decade from that LTC tour. Was on my way to join my family from my hostel in this mega city - which my home today. My father was out of station and hence was feeling more responsible to be with the rest of my family. Had taken a local train to reach my place. With many an unknown happiness reached home to understand that the night before there was a theft in my house. It was the black telephone era. So information had to wait till I reached, just to fall in deep trenches of fear and uncanny surroundings. Absolute zone of discomfort.
My mother , who is generally very emotional and sensitive stood normal. I knew she had been battling the odd that had resulted due to the preceding event. It took a while to settle. My brother was young enough to feel the commotion but was mostly cliching to ma. The sense of insecurity was inevitable. Post all interrogations and inquisitive perforation we sat for a lean lunch. I almost forgot that I had come down to celebrate Durga Puja.
The loud speaker from the near by pandal suddenly became vocal to play a old kishore song. Three of us sat on the open veranda very cosy to each other. The blue sky had a few spongy white bubble like clouds floating carelessly. Nature was gelling the upset mind. The police in me was pricking me. I couldn't resist my material mind to turn back and ask my mother -
"Ma, did you check all . Are you sure Nothing is missing?"
Ma smiled back to say - "I had two diamonds ." I never new ma had such rich jewels in possession. With wonders in eyes I enquired - "Did you check them?"
She continued in a relax tone with eye balls rolling to point my brother " One was sleeping by me" ..she just moved her vision pointed to me and continued " and the other was not in the house. So I was sure it was all in place."
I was baffled with what matter's for a mother's mind! That is what make this celebration even bigger.
Gyan #36 - Umbilical pride is a great possession.