Last night, as the melodious hymns of Birendrakishore Bhadra’s immortal Mahishasuramardini floated in from the para puja, I kept a weary eye on the TV screen. Star Ananda’s sprightly newsreader didn’t disappoint. We would have Barundev’s company on the puja days, what with a ‘depression’ forming in the Bay.
This morning’s bright sunlight is welcome. Perhaps Star Ananda is wrong? As the day is growing old, I can see patches of clouds scurrying off to who knows where. On the ground, the mood is clearly upbeat. Though Maa’s bodhan is still some time off, strains of dhak can be heard now and then. Everyone is planning one or other program, whether it is only an one-off Mahashtami puspanjali or 5-day pandal hopping.
I’ve with me a video clipping, loaned from Ananda Utsav, which has a matching tune that starts playing as you open this page on your browser. This will remain for 5 days, so do enjoy (now discontinued). Superimpose this tune with rhythm of dhak (below), and you’ve a grand combination.
There is also this Ponds Anandabazar Patrika Pujor Nandini contest for those of you who fall between 18 and 35. Alas, this is only for contestants in West Bengal. Perhaps next year they’ll do it nationwide, and a year later, worldwide. Keep your fingers crossed, and yes wish you all a very wonderful puja.
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