“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” Whoever wrote this knows the beauty and the feel good factor about the mountains. Also, let me warn you guys, this article obviously is about my love for mountains but then this has the not so hidden emotions of Pujo. There is a high chance of my writing going haywire between mountains and Pujo.
Sipping a cup of hot coffee, munching the delectable pork breakfast platter with Kanchenjunga in front is a view to die for. All these makes Darjeeling a very special place for me.
If only I could back pack and run away to those incredible mountains. They keep calling me you know. Those white, silent (appears to be silent), and huge mountains who I feel has their own story. I am almost tripping I suppose. Basically, a week trip. Four days of Pujo and rest of the three days to Darjeeling. Oh, how I crave for it now.
Now for a Bengali, Pujo is all together a next level sentiment. If you are a Bong and away from home, with less than a month left for Pujo and you are slogging at office, mood off hona banta hai boss. This feeling is like a reflex action. And to top it all, when the chicken maggi and pork momos of Darjeeling are just a few hours away from Kolkata.
The look of shada kashful (kans grass), cotton like clouds, how terribly do I miss this here in Bangalore. Roaming all around the city for the entire night. Having some of the most amazing food from most of my favorite places. Dressed up in absolutely beautiful sarees and Pandal hopping (thakur dekhte jawa). The planning starts a month before Pujo, Shopping for all the four days which actually turns out to become a huge amount of shopping. Waking up at 4 to watch Mahalaya, that is my call. Shoshti gives you that hit, that happiness that Pujo has come and the next four days will be cherished for an entire year.
Fasting on Ashtami morning to give Onjoli and then hoggoing Khichudi, Aaloo bhaja, Labra, Papad and Chutney. I can promise nothing in this world can give me more happiness during Pujo other than this. Roaming in Maddox Square and Park Street , all dressed up and photo ready and then having Kosha Mangsho and Luchi for dinner.
The night ends with preparing clothes for Navami and more of Pandal Hopping. Bijoya Dashami can never be happy for any bengali. We almost have tears in our ears to see Maa go away and remember the phrase “Aashche bochor aabar hobe”.
And before we even realize, its dashami. Dashami, however, has its own charm. Women cladded with lal paar shada saree (White saree with red border), all decked up for Sindoor Khela. Trust me, at times its better than Holi.
You know what my alarm is during Pujo?
Parar pujo’r dhaak’er awaj. Basically, dhak playing at a nearby Pujo. I do not want to watch to any fancy classic rock band play during Pujo (even though they’re my favorite). I love watching Fossils, Krosswindz, Lakkhichara play and let their songs touch my heart. For that matter even Bhoomi and Chandrabindoo will give me happiness.
I want kochuri and jilepi for breakfast. Cereals are boring during Pujo. Only if I had a chance to run to Kolkata.
No matter, where I live, my heart and soul cries for Kolkata during Pujo. I cannot. and absolutely cannot stay away from home during Pujo and it is so unfortunate that I have to.
I don’t really know to spend those four days here. I miss home. I miss Kolkata. I miss Maa made Luchi and Shada Aloo’r torkari. Only if I had a chance, only if I had an option.
-Maa Aashchen
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