A Journey Called Durga Puja – 3) Until Next Year

She leaves with the promise of return. The Dashami Pushpanjali is a prayer of mixed emotions. The bitter-sweet feeling of being one with her and her departure is beyond the expression of words. But sadness doesn’t mar the celebration, for a daughter leaving for her husband’s abode is always bid farewell with celebration. The women...

A Journey Called Durga Puja – 2) The Stay

She rests the night after her arrival. But the frenzy hasn’t died down. Last minute touches, changes, midnight arrangements for her morning welcome are many. The pandal, her stay area is cleared of any clutter and while she rests with her face covered, the entire household is running around tying up loose ends. The Sholapith...

A Journey called Durga Puja – 1) The Arrival

The Uludhvani, the jaikara echoes through the night. Sleepy eyes widen, hands adorned by shaakha pola folded in prayer, the heart elated on her arrival. Durga... Devi, Amba, Ma arrives in grand company. The sound of dhak resonates in the air, making the night come alive. Her arrival is the homecoming of a daughter for...

Hairy Tales

Ever wondered who set the gender norms for physical appearances? I often do. And, yesterday my question was reiterated by my son's friend, Barun, a young boy of nine - "Why do girls get to keep long hairs and boys don't?" Of course I question a lot more than just the mane differences, but the...

Anniversary Special

Prompt: Story starting with 'LIFE' and ending with 'TIME' Word Limit: 150 Life, at last was perfect. Ray had many episodes of heart break but this time he seemed to have found the right one. Finally, a girl who lasted more than three months! Ray was elated. How about an anniversary of sorts? He thought...