Here’s an evocative poem by Abu about the ambience during Durga Puja in an exclusive Special Feature for Different Truths.
Pre-Puja days Bazaar wears a festive look The scent of Shuli is in the ai Kaash flowers greet u Dhaki’s beatings at pandals, Sharodiya sankhas at book stalls No chanda hooligans at my locality Once a year, we give puja-bonu To maids, guards, and boys They keep our abodes clean and going And feel happy with little sacrifice.
Editor’s Notes
Shuili: Also known as Parijat, Shefali, Shefalika (Sanskrit), Raat ki Rani, Harsingar (Hindi), Tree of Sorrow, Queen of Night, Night Jasmine, and Coral Jasmine (English)
Kaash: Catkins (white flowers)
Dhaki: Person playing large war drums during Durga Puja
Sharadiya Sankhas: Special Issues of magazines brought out by various Bengali publishers
Chanda: Donation for the Pujas
Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths
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