Durga Puja~The Quintessence of Bengali Festivals

Pandal -hopping

Hey everyone, how’s it going?  Back to blogging after a long time as my exams were on. Now that they’re over, I’m in a happy mood! And one more reason for my “happy mood” is Durga Puja, which is only about two weeks from now. The five days of Durga Puja are real "fundays" for the people of Bengal. There is so much life and color in the city during these days.

There are bumper sales and discounts on outfits in every store and people literally get mad while haggling over their prices! In busy market places like New Market and Gariahat, you can hardly find a place to walk on the pavement.

Streets are already being decorated with lamps and everywhere you get to see “pandals” under construction. And if you’re a true Bengali, then these small things are sure to bring that special feeling of joy and excitement in your heart. Durga Puja is one of my favorite festivals like all other Bengalis. 

Shiuli

But, probably my reason for liking it is a bit different from others. I love autumn, so maybe that’s a reason. And there’s a special aromatic flower than blooms only during autumn. I recently discovered that its local name is “shiuli” which stands for coral jasmine. 

The air is filled with the fragrance of these flowers after twilight. And when you go out for pandal hopping, the beautiful fragrance of the flowers is a real delight!

So, here I am, wishing all Bengalis across the globe a wonderful Durga Puja!  Go shopping, feast and celebrate ~ that’s the true joy of the festival!