If there is only one time in the year, when a Bengali staying outside Bengal misses the vibe of Bengal, is the time of Durgapuja. Durgapuja is not just another ‘parbon’ (Festival) in the collection of ‘baro mase tero parbon’ (13 festivals in 12 months of a year), it is the one. For the Bengali people that were raised in Bengal, it is a journey down memory lane and for those raised outside, it is knowing their root.
The Bengalis consider the goddess Durga as their daughter of the land, who visits ‘baper bari’ (parental home) during these four days. While the rituals find the way of prayer and devotion to the Goddess who saved the universe from a demon called 'Mahishasura', to common people, it is more than a series of rituals. It is all about love, affection and togetherness.
This year, it is the time to ask ourselves, do we really have the rights to celebrate the home coming of the daughter of the land, when we are unable to provide safe home for our own daughters?
In the context of ‘Tilottoma’, our minds may be preparing for celebration, but our souls are crying for justice. Who will save the universe from demons we are producing everyday in-house?
They say, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword’. Let ‘Kashphul’ be a tiny effort to unite and medium to utter our words of protest in the divine presence of Goddess Durga.
May goddess Durga visits her home not only as daughter but also as warrior and save the universe once more.