The countdown has begun for ensuing Durga Puja 2010. In this occasion let us have a quick stroll down memory lane recollecting Durga Puja 2009. It was a new experience for all in DCW while we celebrated the worship of Devi Durga, there was plenty of fun.
We remember the Mahalaya day, after we turned on the sound system announcing the ending of Pitri Paksha (literally "fortnight of the ancestors") by immortal recitation of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, slowly we started gathering in front of Tower 3 and 4. After some chit chat (and leg pulling) I along with Senpati_da, Talukdar, Bagchi, Sourav etc. went for a morning tea from Surya.
After idol came in Panchami, there were lots of activities. A group went to Kalighat to hire Dhaki including our Jagai Madhai (Bagchi & Talukdar) and Laurel Hardy (both the joint secretaries – G. S. Singh and G. P Senapati). “Dhaker tale komor nache” was associated by an initiative from Talukdar which stops Senapati_da wearing bermuda publicly.
Bagchi made the time memorable for few of us using his past association with IFB (nothing official about it), but indeed few others remember the time for a long time (out of frustration!) making it a political agenda in every community meeting.
It was a splendid cultural evening where I played in a key role in a Sruti Natak. Other participants were my wife Munmun, our neighbor (Somnath_da & Mala boudi), Mrs. Sinha (Roni’s mother) and Mrs. Chatterjee (Chirantan’s mother). It was initiated and directed by Mrs. Chatterjee.
One day there was Bhajan Sandhya, which may nit be relevant in Durga Puja, but we all enjoyed with a spirit of cosmopolitan society. Dokania_ji, Bhatter_da & Mehta_ji were really active.
Committee (lead by Somnath_da, Gouri_da and Senapati_da) put a hard effort to collect subscriptions and sponsorship and could arrange subsidized lunch on Maha Saptami, Maha Astami and Mana Nabami. I went with Ajmer Singh and Khan Khan Da (Arunmoy Khan) to collect most of the vegetables from Dhulagarh. It was a thrilling experience being driven by Ajmer Singh.
On the final day we had a gala dinner. We all enjoyed and relished the food even if there were very few who simply wasted food or had an impulsive fight over silly issues. Gala dinner were well attended (both veg and non-veg sections). Few people indeed worked round the clock.
Wish a GRAND Durga Puja 2010 to all our fellow residents with more fun and enjoyment.