A day or four

Durga Pujo. Can't be bong without it, can I?

If there is something people in VIT and now IIMS know, its that I can't stay away from Kolkata during the Pujo.   This has come to define me to a certain extent.

Theres a pujo celebrated at my mamarbari in Akrur Dutta Lane, which is over 250 years old. I have been present for each pujo apart from when I was in the 6th standard. You see, that year, my family had decided to go to Goa. The fact that I missed the pujo made me promise myself that I wouldn't, unless absolutely necessary, miss the pujo at my mamarbari.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091115/jsp/calcutta/story_11738594.jsp

I am an atheist. Or at least, an agnostic. But however, during these four days every year, I become a believer. Of what, I don't know.

Pujos for most people mean a time to celebrate, socialize and eat cheap but awesomely tasty food. To me, pujo means going to the thakurbari every morning and evening. Morning for arati and pushpanjali, evening just for the arati. Pujo, to me, means staying for four days at my mamarbari in Wellington (Bowbazar area, not New Zealand). Pujo means, to me, a time to look forward to for months.

I still remember the sadness I would feel when I realized that for 2 years, the pujos would be for only 3 days. Then after a gap of 2 years, they were held over 5 days. The joy I had felt was endless.

I would love hearing stories of how the Gods had combined their efforts to create Durga and how she slayed Mahishasur. I would love hearing stories of Ram's invocation of the Goddess by offering to sacrifice his eye instead of a blue lotus.

A lot has changed. Last year, my dean asked me to forget about all this nonsense and focus on being a manager ready to challenge the world. But I can't let go of it. I tried. I don't want to.

Maybe that is why I'll never be a successful manager. Only time will tell.

All I know is that if I'm ever unfortunate enough to miss a Pujo at my mamarbari, I'll have a tough time sleeping at night. Even if its for a day or four.