Saraswati Puja

It all started with a few extra pounds of mutton. Sounds odd as an introduction to a puja, but that’s what it was. The extra meat led to an invitation for dinner to a few people, who incidentally were on the same shuttle bus. Discussion spurted and led to what was more like an accident than a planned event. Saraswati puja has always been a special event for the students(due to different reasons, priorities are personal), but I didn’t have the slightest idea that it might be at my place itself before mid last week. It took the enthusiastic involvement of quite some people to finally materialize an incredible event. It was really unthinkable how smoothly everything was carried out considering the short planning period and the overwhelming turn out of around 60 people. Not too huge a number for a normal puja in Bengal, but for one like this, it definitely was.

The venue was at my place. It was an occasion, good enough, to finally clean our living room after a long time (may be the first time, I am not sure!) :D A few decorative plants, dupattas, some quick fine arts and it was hard to believe that the same place could look so nice. The most daunting (probably the most important too!) task, cooking for so many people, was shouldered by a number of people and they did a wonderful job. The menu included kichuri, alu bhaja, begun bhaja, alu-fulkopir tarkari, chatni and rasmalai. I feel sorry for those who missed it. While all was set in motion, there was still a key problem, the purohit, whose role was finally played quite ably by arnab(yes, bhalo arnab for those who know him). He was splendid in his work, as close as it can get to being a pro. With pushpanjali and prasad, it was a complete package of satisfaction. I hope we get more events like this.

(Thanks to Prajna, Saugata, Debashis, Ishita, Katha, Nilotpal, Swarnava, Kaustav, Sibendu, Tirtha, Rima, Amlan, Kohinoor, Shubhasish, Arnab, Nakul, Bhushan, Vinayak, Krushna, Joyeeta in no particular order. I thought twice before putting the names because there is always a chance that I miss someone. I am sorry if that is you.)

Ma! bhaloi bhaloi graduation-ta korie dao

etai shera samay!

The Group