Page 31 - Kolaj Sharodiya Review Edition
P. 31
A ‘Pickle’ for You and Me Essence of Durga Puja
Madhureima Devii Dasi Muntasir Rahaman
If “those” days could be pickled, The excitement during Durga Pujo,
with the mangoes that hung with them from the boughs. Is a feeling of one in a million.
Bottled with spices, salt and oil or, The calling of street vendors,
cooked with jaggery and stored. Are louder than the roar of a lion.
If “those” days could be preserved in air-tight containers, The markets are noisier than ever before,
with mild vinegar type acids, from the fungi of time. People are on every roads and streets.
Then today, a glass jar on my table and a plastic one on your shelf; Some people are shopping, some are worshipping,
we would have had – Many are listening to the chants of the priests.
a piece and pinch of colour for your rice,
some taste to add to my bread. The pandals are beautifully decorated,
With goddess Durga at the centre of attraction.
Neither jeans, nor shirts,
But sarees and kurtas are in fashion.
Bengali cuisine during Durga Pujo,
Has its own flavour.
The food is so delicious,
That every bite, we savour.
After all the celebrations,
A time comes, when hearts filled with sorrow; eyes filled with tears.
The immersion of Durga Ma,
The end of all the happy cheers.
But hope is uplifted,
Amidst all the pain.
Looking at the calendar you smile,
As Durga Puja will come again.
