This year I saw Durga Puja happen in Calcutta. I was daunted at the prospect of the noise and the music and everyone having fun except me. You see, I’m not a party person, I was for a short time, whilst at university, but then I learnt to embrace my ‘early-to-bed-with-a-good-book’ persona. It is a comforting, safe image I have for myself, which requires little effort and provides maximum comfort. However, as of late, I’m being dragged out of myself and have been forced to enter into the revelry of the moments around me. I feel I must, because who knows when I’ll get this chance again.
So thanks to a few friends and their confidence boosting style tips, my husband and his patience with me getting ready and the ever-present dhak beat from outside my bedroom window, I readied myself to take on the Durga Puja Spirit.
And, what a performance! What a show Calcutta provided! Here are some beautiful images of what we saw taken by my budding photographer of a husband. (I’m sure I’ve mentioned before Calcutta brings out the artist in us all!)
carved beauty
ornate ceilings
light drumming
worshipping the girl
egyptian theme
durga the consort of shiva
demon defeated
blowing bubbles
sandal pandal
vanquishing evil
heavenly beings
spinning dreams
worshipping innocent
quick nap before the fun starts
girl meets boy
The legendary dhaks and their natural masters
pastel lions
lotus and sandal juxtaposed
pondering the commercialism
ritual fire
epic warrior queen