People wonder what they would do if they win a million dollars in lottery. I KNOW. If I am rich enough to jet set the world at my whim, I would go to Gujarat for every Navratri. Well maybe , Gujarat for half the Navratri and West Bengal for Pujo for the other half.
I would go and shop at Law Garden (Ha... still at Law Garden after a million dollars??) or in the bylanes of Ratanpol, Manek Chowk, Rani no haziro, Lal Darwaja and Dhalgarwad. I love the old markets, the narrow lanes, the bustle, the roadside shops, the surprise waiting at the next corner, the pheriwalas with unknown treasures....no, I don't really dig malls. I would buy authentic chaniya cholis with kacchhi embroidery - nine for the nine nights with matching jewellery - and then jet set all over Gujarat for the most authentic garba venues. I am mesmerised by the way everyone moves and swirls with music. It's like being controlled by a master puppeteer who tugs everyone with a giant, invisible string. Front, front, front, twirl, back, back, twirl, hop...it's all so amazing. So before hitting the dance floor, I and my friends would learn garba from a local aficionado. After all, going to garba is no fun until you go with dance-loving friends and know the moves.
For, what is festive season:
If you aren't buzzing with what to wear and where to go.
If you aren't scouting for that perfect attire or a matching accessory. If you aren't soaking in the atmosphere of decked up shops and haggling customers, waiting for your turn to strike a bargain.
If you aren't getting hassled by dressing up and getting the right look.
If you aren't getting complimented on the final outcome which vindicates you of all the senseless hours devoted to the pursuit.
If you aren't decking up your little one and admiring her to bits.
If you aren't telling her why we do what we do on festivals.
If you aren't listening and gyrating to garam masaledaar khaati meethi vaangi and sanedo.
If you aren't exhilarating in the beauty and vibrancy of it all.
Yeah, what is a festive season if.....
If you aren't buzzing with what to wear and where to go.
If you aren't scouting for that perfect attire or a matching accessory. If you aren't soaking in the atmosphere of decked up shops and haggling customers, waiting for your turn to strike a bargain.
If you aren't getting hassled by dressing up and getting the right look.
If you aren't getting complimented on the final outcome which vindicates you of all the senseless hours devoted to the pursuit.
If you aren't decking up your little one and admiring her to bits.
If you aren't telling her why we do what we do on festivals.
If you aren't listening and gyrating to garam masaledaar khaati meethi vaangi and sanedo.
If you aren't exhilarating in the beauty and vibrancy of it all.
Yeah, what is a festive season if.....
I missed it all in Bangalore. I came here to enjoy Indian festivals better. Funny? But true. I continue to miss it here too. Though I have been to a garba here and a better one than in Bangalore, I miss the spirit. Still waiting for that one soul satisfying Navratri. Are you listening, Universe?
2 comments:
Indian festivals can be enjoyed with all their grandeur only and only in India. I am so thankful to the almighty that I got to spend Durga pujo in Bengal this time. You can experience the fellowship of a minority community during Indian festivals in the US, but you will never get the grandeur of an entire country coming together to bring life into the clay idol of the supreme goddess. Here you just let go....your surrounding will take care of your heart and soul. You don't need to stand out and put in an effort to bring your people together. You just ride the wave. Rise and crash with it, with everyone else around you. With an entire nation!
You nailed it, Semanti! Riding the wave, as simple as that! So glad you could spend pujo in Bengal this time. Soul-satisfying pujo this time :)
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