The Durga Puja, the most important event in a Bong life is just over. Although essentially a festival originating from religious roots, it has long ago surpassed the narrow boundaries set by religion and transcended to a festival of humanity, while maintaining its religious fervour and roots.
The Sarbojonin Durga Puja , which essentially means a celebration for all, is a celebration of mankind and I have seen few events that encompass the celebration of human life better than this. In this festival which essentially celebrates the triumph of good over evil, there is no narrow boundary limits of caste, creed, colour even religion. I have come across people practising other faiths also embracing this celebration as their own, part of Puja committees in Kolkata, rising above the narrow dogmas of faith.
In a community Durga Puja, it is not only the Puja or the worship of the Goddess which is the point. Although the worship is done with all piety and religious rules, there are many events and happenings surrounding it for weeks together which encompass human beings irrespective of caste, creed, religion. When in a community Puja, lots of devotees queue up for the Bhog (lunch served after offering to the God), no one has ever encountered a question as to what the person being served is following as a faith, what is his/her roots etc. It does not matter whether the person is a Hindu, a Christian , a Muslim or a Jew or an agnostic or even an atheist. Or whether he /she has come there on foot or in a Cadillac. It just does not matter ! What matters is that the person is a human being.
Revolving around the celebration is a melting pot of cultural events, not always linked to Bengali language. So while there would be the usual dash of Rabindrasangeet or the Bengali music bands, there would also be Hindi songs of Bollywood or other language depending upon where the festival is being held.
The fun fair extending around the pandals would be a gastronomic paradise with a melange of offerings to tickle the palate of everyone. It is not unusual to see people gorging on fish fry or jhalmuri at 1:30AM.
The best part about this festival is that no one really is kept out because of religious dogmas. Without doubt, the Bongs have one of the most accepting nature and have risen above the narrow boundaries of ritualistic practices which divide rather than unite. Lot is being written nowadays contrary to this but I dismiss the same as ramblings of narrow uninformed minds , to whom the well that they live in is the ocean. Alas !
Long live this spirit of Sarbojonin Durga Puja- long live this spirit of humanity !
Excellent rendering. Very lucid and so true understanding of Bong culture.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Not however sure if bongs are the most open minded people in the world when it comes to accepting issues that are contextual to the mordern world! If we were so progressive, why do we accept political dogmatism and non- progressive political views as is the present scenario in Bengal. Our festivals are non-religious, but we bongs still endure regressive thinking. Somehow this has been my personal experience and I am possibly the only one who would be excited if the festival shows bongs the way to progress further towards a better future for the state and politics that they endure and support! Excellent narrative nevertheless!! Loved reading it��
ReplyDeleteBabulda, you are right in a way. Goes a modern band song "Amra Punjabi ke Pnaiya boli, Marwari Mawra ; aar non-communal dewal likhi Calcutta to Howrah " This sums it up kind of !
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