It is festival time in Kolkata with Navratri and Durga Puja

West Bengal and its capital Kolkata are famous for the large-scale, opulent pujas. The organizers work night and day to present artistic creations that attract people from not just different parts of Bengal and from all over the country, but even globally. This has been made possible because of the recognition accorded by UNESCO in 2021. It has granted recognition in the form of Heritage Status to 'Durga Puja in Kolkata.' This is inscribed in its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Those who plan a trip to Kolkata during the festival can expect memorable experiences of gorging on yummy food, praying to Goddess Durga, pandal hopping, and loving every bit of the festivities. These are what Durga puja is all about. Eat, pray, love! 5 things to do while visiting Kolkata during Durga Puja 2022; visit THESE top 20 pandals. It has to be remembered that pandal hopping translates into crowds and hot and humid surroundings. It is better to wear comfortable footwear because you might have to walk long distances and remain in queue for a long time to get a darshan of the idols and the magnificent pandals.

There is a craze among some people to visit 'Bonedi bari' puja. These are family pujas dating back to centuries and involve aristocratic households. There is no commercialization and they do not go in for glamor and glitz of the baroyari pujas. The number of such families is few and the uniqueness is that on this annual festival, members of the family come together from far corners of the world. These turn out to be unforgettable homecomings. Of course, food lovers enjoy street foods, sweets and eating out at the city's famous restaurants. From fuchka (or the gol gappa or pani puri) to jhal muri (puffed rice with special spices) and the famous Kolkata roll – the list is a long one. In many restaurants, food lovers may have to wait in queues for their turn.

Durga Puja from outside India and within –

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Business mood in Durga Puja markets in malls and footpaths

This year, Durga Puja starts on October 1 and the markets are in business mood. Apart from malls, the shops in New Market, Gariahat and other footpaths are gearing up to woo the customers. While the shopping malls display pomp and show apart from glamor, the roadside shops have an advantage of their own. Their overheads are less in comparison to malls. Hence, they can offer products at much lesser prices and customers can even bargain to get the items at cheaper rates. This makes for fair competition and there is all round satisfaction. The common people are the patrons and they have to weigh their wants with their finances. While the rich can afford to gorge on pizzas and ice creams in air-conditioned comfort between shopping, the not-so-fortunate ones have to make do with jhal muri and tele bhaja.

There are the two famous malls in south Kolkata. One is the South City Mall on Prince Anwar Shah Road, the other is the Acropolis Mall near Kasba. This year, the Covid threat perception is considerably low. As a result, businesses expect good returns. The rush has led to traffic jams in and around these malls. Obviously, the festive season has arrived and footfalls are on the rise. These are in thousands. The authorities of the malls confirm this. Puja early shoppers crowd Kolkata malls, markets to trigger revival hopes. This festival brings out the best in not only fashion but also in the general outlook of the people. Some of them work out plans to move away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the holidays among nature.

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Politicians are like chameleons

Horse-trading is a term one hears often. It does not relate to horses but to politics and is usually associated with politicians who switch loyalties for any type of gains. These politicians have hardly any ethics and take sides depending on which way the wind blows. As a result, they are able to call the shots and mint money. There are innumerable movies that deal with this theme and the whole world knows about such individuals but have to accept the inevitable. The government has formulated laws to check floor crossing but the world of chameleons keep spreading. An example is of a member of the BJP who moved into the TMC camp and has become a minister within a short time. He is a well-known singer, had once met the TMC supremo and shared jhal-muri with her.Ego Tussle With BJP Leaders, Warm Ties With Mamata: How Babul Supriyo Changed Tunes

Greed has ruined politics. Today it is all about who can call the shots. In view of rampant unemployment, members of political parties at the grass root level keep searching for options to make money. They try to pressurize the locals into shelling out money. Initially these are for minor reasons like celebrating a festival. The organizers are usually those who love to show off their muscle power. Over a period, they form groups and join political parties. In the beginning, it is all hunky dory but when discontent sets in, they change sides. Some of them turn into demons, others fade into oblivion or perish.

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Lord Shiva’s views on Kalighat and marriages (satire)

Lord Shiva was taking his early morning walk among the hillocks of Mount Kailash. It was a daily routine meant to keep his body fit. His eyes suddenly fell on Kalighat – it was home to a fiery lady who loved to live simple so that her devoted followers could roll in money.
Lord Siva beckoned to Durga who was tinkering in the kitchen – she had learnt a couple of new recipes and wanted to try them out. Shiva would have to be her guinea pig.
‘What is bothering you now?’ she sounded annoyed.
‘Things are happening in Kalighat,’ Shiva said.
‘Things always happens in Kalighat,’ Durga replied in a matter-of-fact voice. ‘You know why it is famous, don’t you?'

‘You don’t understand,’ Shiva sighed. ‘The lady appears to be moving out from the place.’
‘Nonsense,’ Durga came and stood beside her Lord. ‘She is attached to it and will not leaving right now.’
‘You mean she will leave but is waiting for an auspicious time?’
‘Sort of,’ Durga replied. ‘She has set her eyes on bigger stuff. She is bubbling with energy and this place is choking her.’
‘Tell me one thing – how will she adjust herself to a life away from her home? A life minus jhal muri, telebhaja, langcha?’
Durga smiled.
‘Women can adjust to any change – it is a gift that they possess. After marriage, the girls adapt to their new homes in no time.’
It was now Shiva’s turn to smile.
‘From what I see and hear, today’s marriages do not last a lifetime,’ he said.
‘You are mistaken,’ Durga objected. ‘There are so many TV reality shows where women participants talk about their married lives, how they met, how they tied the knot, how they are living happily ever after.’
‘Fine. But – I would like to know how many of the knots are still intact? How long did the bond last? From what I know, filmdom is chock-full of actors and actresses who have married more than once. It seems to be a trend, a sort of fashion. Tell me - to succeed, do you need to change partners.’ (to be continued …)


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Fuchka Festival in Kolkata and selfies (satire)

Didi was in top gear. She had won a battle and had returned land to the farmers. She had ousted an automobile manufacturing company from her land, had uprooted the buildings and had returned the land back to the farmers. It was a promise she had made and, she had fulfilled it.
‘I think this calls for a celebration,’ Patro Chatto said in a low voice. He had, of late, come closer to Didi and he loved to bask in her glory.
‘Let us arrange a festival,’ Didi said. ‘We have ilish festival and sandesh festival, let us organize another interesting festival that has universal appeal.’
‘We can go in for jhal muri festival,’ Dee Wreck suggested. ‘It is a unique product of Bengal and has taken London by storm. I have seen rave reviews in the social media. We can use the opportunity to woo the British to come to our city.’
‘That is a good idea,’ Fear Had said. ‘I know you also love jhal muri. The other day you were having jhal muri in front of Victoria Memorial with one of your guests and it became hot news. Just like the hot jhal muri.’ Didi gave Fear Had a hard look.
‘I have a better idea,’ Omit Misra cleared his throat. ‘It has a mass appeal because it is loved equally all over the country.’
‘What is it?’ Didi asked.

‘Fuchka,’ Omit Misra replied and wiped his glasses. ‘It is also known as the golguppa or pani puri. Whenever I get a chance, I have several mouthfuls.’
‘Not a bad idea,’ Didi was serious. ‘I’ll invite my friends from Delhi and Mumbai to set up stalls for variety.’ ‘What about the venue?’ Show Van asked.
‘The Milon Mela,’ Didi said. ‘That is where we hold all festivals.’
‘But – it is a huge area. Can it be filled?’
Didi grinned.
‘Don’t be silly,’ she chided him. ‘There will be stalls for selling fuchka and golguppas and pani puris. Then there will be a section on cookery where experts will come and talk about how to make fuchkas. And – there will be books on fuchkas. I will write one book of poems about fuchka. The possibilities are unlimited.’
‘When do we have this festival?’ Dee Wreck asked.
‘Get hold of the oldest fuchka man and his date of birth. That will be the date,’ Didi said. ‘He will probably be from Bihar. I will honor him on the occasion and my fans will increase. I will also declare a holiday on that date so that everyone can make a beeline for Milon Mela to enjoy fuchkas.’
‘There is one problem,’ Patro Chatto mumbled.
‘What?’ Didi asked.
‘Can you take selfie while gulping fuchkas?’ (to be continued …)


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Lion King, Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse of Mount Kailash

As Goddess Durga and her family was engaged in small talks, in another part of Mount Kailash sat the group of animals who have become an integral part of Durga’s family. There was the Lion King, there was Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse apart from the Wise Owl and the peacock.
‘The visit down there is no longer interesting,’ Lion King moaned softly. ‘There is no jungle to romp about or chase animals.’
‘How come?’ Donald Duck quacked. ‘I keep hearing all the time about a flourishing Jungle Raj that makes things happen.’
‘That is the jungle of muscle men,’ Lion said. ‘The only jungle I know has trees and trees are hardly to be seen nowadays. They have been sacrificed to develop housing for the humans. I sometimes wonder how can they live copped up in such pigeon holes.’

‘I know how you feel,’ Donald Duck sighed. ‘Water bodies have also vanished and I miss the ponds and lakes.’
‘And – I keep sleeping,’ Wise Owl said. ‘Night never falls. There is so much artificial lighting and the merrymaking of revelers go on and on. I lose my appetite because unless night falls, I cannot go hunting for my food and have to remain hungry.’
Mickey Mouse now made his presence felt.
‘I also face difficult times when I go down there,’ he squeaked. ‘The cats have become lazy and do not chase us any longer. They cozy up with their owners and relax on sofas. They don’t need to hunt for food, it comes to them.’
‘The world is going topsy-turvy,’ Lion King yawned and stretched his muscles. ‘It is becoming monotonous trying to fight the Asuras – they are really indestructible and invincible. And – they actually keep changing their shapes. One minute they are so kind hearted, the next moment the devil in them rises.’
‘I can feel things will change,’ Wise Old Owl said.
‘Yes,’ Mickey Mouse nodded. ‘The bad ones need to be punished and Didi nows just how to get them in line.’
‘How?’ Donald Duck asked.
‘She will hold a meeting and ensure that everyone turns up to listen to her.’
‘Will they come?’
‘Of course they will come – it will be a picnic. They need not pay any fare and she will promise them a hearty breakfast of kochuri and jilepi, full lunch with machher jhol, plus tea and jhal muri. No Bengali can ignore such a spread.’
‘Where will the funds come from?’
‘From her paintings. She’ll paint a few masterpieces and sell them off.’
‘Fine. Then what?’
‘She will chide the bad ones. She will threaten them with dire consequences. And – they will never dare to go against her wishes.’
‘Good. But – will I get back my jungle?’ Lion King asked.
‘And – will I get back my pond?’ Donald Duck asked.
There was no response from the Wise Old Owl – he had fallen asleep. (to be continued …)


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Didi’s Delhi dreams – from telebhaja to aloo chat (satire)

Didi woke up fresh. She had a really good and sound sleep. That was because she had played the cards correctly and had come up with all the aces. She had grown up from the ranks and knew just how to present her case so that her audience will be spellbound and believe whatever she says – no matter how outlandish they may sound.
Suddenly her phone rang – it was her faithful Man Friday who was better known as Moo Cool. She smiled when she remembered the beautiful drama that the two of them had played. It was for a good cause and was a diversionary tactics. It was one of her strategies.

‘Did you have a good sleep?’ Moo Cool asked.
‘Of course,’ Didi replied. ‘I think we now need to plan for the future.’
‘You mean capture Delhi?’
‘Yes,’ Didi said. ‘I am fed up with this place. I want a change of scenario.’
‘I know how you feel. Our leaders in Delhi talk big but their works are all small time.’
‘I want to change all that.’
‘Here you had to tackle 34 years of misrule,’ Moo Cool sighed. ‘In the center it is more than 60 years misrule.’
‘If I can dislodge the men in Delhi, I can show them how to run the country,’ Didi said. ‘You make a start from our oath taking ceremonies. As a first step, invite some leaders who will support my cause.’
‘No problem,’ Moo Cool said. ‘I’ll include Kaloo Prasad, Akki Lays, Cage Reeball, Ab Dulha – all of them fit the bill.’ ‘Yes. All of them love our sweets. And - they do have a soft corner for me,’ Didi said. ‘Ensure that rasogolla and sandesh are sent along with the invitation. They will have a positive effect.’
Moo Cool rang off and Didi sat with the bunch of newspapers. She loved to read what the media had to say about her victory. At one time she had doubts whether she would be able to retain power. There were fingers of accusations against a section of her people. But – Moo Cool, with his contacts in Delhi, ensured that she remain unscathed.
And, she had her team of Arrah Bull, Money Rule, Abhi Shake and Dee Wreck at the ground level to see her through.
Didi yawned. Life was becoming boring. She was tired of local issues and wanted to divert her attention to international issues. She wanted to taste the charm of the unexpected in Delhi. If she dealt the cards rightly now, she could win the gamble. Then she could hand over charge to someone like Moo Cool and shift base to Delhi.
No doubt she will miss her telebhaja and jhal moori but will get used to chana batura and aloo tikia. (to be continued…)


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The henchmen of Didi were finding it extremely difficult to keep pace with her activities and whirlwind tours. It was election time and she kept her people on their toes – her regular walks set the mood for the fight and she was loving every moment. Her secret has always been the element of surprise.
‘Shall I ask them to send in another round of jhal-muri?’ Abhi Shake asked her.
Didi gave him a hard stare.
‘I think we can go in for tele bhaja for a change,’ she said. ‘Beguni or aloor chop would be fine.’
Abhi Shake relayed the message to the restaurant in the corner.
‘Tell them to use fresh mustard oil,’ Didi reminded him. ‘I don’t want to get ulcers.’

Moo Cool coughed discreetly to get her attention.
‘Yes,’ Didi looked at him.
‘I have arranged a chopper for your next trip,’ he said. ‘It will be faster and the villagers will be impressed. They will turn up in large numbers to see a chopper from close quarters. We can be assured of a full house.’
‘Good,’ she was satisfied. ‘We must blow away all opposition. Leave no stone unturned. All of you know our strategies. Let us coin slogans that will send out proper messages.’
‘That is what we are doing,’ Patro Chatto said. ‘There are innumerable freelancers in the field – they are educated and waiting for proper jobs. They are doing a beautiful job and work for a pittance. Many of them are from the IT industry and are waiting to go abroad. This slogan making is a stop-gap arrangement for many of them.’
‘What about our engineers?’ Didi wanted to know.
‘They are studying the intricacies of flyovers,’ Patro explained. ‘Especially the art of making flyovers that can come down so that it can be rebuilt. We have to keep our workforce bagged and create prospects for the lower level to prosper.’
‘Yes – we are a party of the masses that works for the masses,’ Didi said.
By then, another round of refreshments had come. The attendant placed a plate in front of Didi and she loved the aroma of freshly fried beguni in mustard oil – she bit into one and closed her eyes. It was much better than jhal-muri. (to be continued …)


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