Durga Puja 2019

Durga Puja is related with the very essence of Bengalee culture. This year also we celebrated Durga puja, or only 'puja' as we refer to it, with great enthusiasm.

On Shashti and Saptami, we had cultural function. Preparation for those functions began two months back. We are happy that everything turned out well. Both the functions in two different puja mandaps were successful.

On Ashtami, there were games and quiz in the afternoon. In the evening at first we went to visit a Durga puja which also had many stalls, almost like a fair around it. Truly felt the spirit of Durga Puja in Rajasthan. Later we watched a dance programme by Natataj Dance Group. In the first presentation they portaryed a story of a mentally challenged girl, with the messege of empowering women. In the second presentation, they danced through the medley of recent Bengali and Hindi songs. Both the items were wonderful! They evoked respect in the hearts of the audience for this particular form of art, that is Dance.

On Nabami, we went to Delhi. At first we visited the Durga puja of Dakshin Delhi Kalibari, later we attended the Durga Puja of Mandir Marg Kalibari. Along with that we also visited the Kali mandir of both of these places.
Later in the evening we visited the Durga Puja of Mahipalpur.

On Dashami morning, we went to CR Park in Delhi. As we all know that C R Park has many many puja pandals, we visited a few- Co Operative Puja Samiti, GK 2, Nabapalli, Matri Mandir, Mela Ground. At last we reached the famous Shiv Mandir (now Kali mandir) of C R Park. Like every year, Durga puja was being celebrated with great pomp and grandeure there. We also visited the Kali mandir, Shiv Mandir and Radha Krishna Mandir there.

Really enjoyed the short trip to Delhi.
After lunch we returned home.
In the evening we had another performance in a Cultural function in our society.

On Ekadashi, we had a Vijaya Dashami get together and dinner.

Thus ended our Durga puja celebration for this year. Truly blissful days with the blessings of Ma Durga.

Our heart feels sad when we see Ma Durga returning to Kailash. But as it is said that she will again come in the next year.

Looking forward to it with eagerness.

Joy Ma Durga! 

Mahalaya 2019

Like every time, this year also I got up in the morning around 4 and listened to the devotional presentation Mahalaya. For a Bengalee, this composition truly brings alive the flavour of puja.

After the radio programme, I switched on the television. Many programmes were being aired simultaneously in different channels. I am giving a list of them here-

* Zee Bangla- '12 Mashe 12 Roope Debibaran'- In it, they showed the various forms of Aadi Shakti we worship during the 12 (Bengali) months of the year, like- Shatakshi, Shakambhari, Parvati, Jagaddhatri, Kaatyayani,  Ratantikali (here we had the reference of RadhaKrishna), Poushkaali, Basanti and some more.

* Star Jalsha- This was basically a dance representation of the original Mahishaura Mardini of All India Radio.

* DD Bangla- 
1. 'Debi Durgatinaashini'- It was a  representation of the various stories of Debi Durga through song and dance, where dance was presented by the veteran actress and danseuse- Hema Malini. 
This programme was also aired in DD National simultaneously.
2. Later during the daily live musical programme 'Sakal Sakal' - Shubhrojyoti and Piu - sang the complete version of AIR Mahalaya Mahishasura Mardini, Debashish Chakraborty did the stotra paath from Shri Shri Chandi.

* Colors Bangla- 'Jaago Durga' - Here was a programme which they aired in the previous year also, where an old couple and their family meets the Aadi Shakti who came to their house in disguise. I really love this drama and try to watch it everytime. Again, I enjoyed the show. Here are more details of the story in one of my previous Mahalaya posts. The name was Ashura Dalani Durga then,

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* Aakash Aath- 1. 'Raat Pohale Sharada Praate'- Since last few years Aakssh Aath is arranging a programme to welcome the divine morning of Mahalaya by the night long music programme- 'Raat Pohale Sharad Praate'. In the same way this year also they aired a live musical programne with various artists, which ran from 11 pm of the previous night to 7 am of Mahalaya morning.
2. 'Good Morning Aakash'- later they had their regular musical live programme Good Morning Aakash.

With the advant of Autumn and this Mahishadura Mardini, our mood is all set for Durga puja :)

Joy Ma Durga!