Here’s an evocative poem by Abu about the ambience during Durga Puja in an exclusive Special Feature for Different Truths.

Pre-Puja days
Bazaar wears a festive look
The scent of Shuli is in the ai
Kaash flowers greet u
Dhaki’s beatings at pandals,
Sharodiya sankhas at book stalls

No chanda hooligans at my locality
Once a year, we give puja-bonu
To maids, guards, and boys 
They keep our abodes clean and going
And feel happy with little sacrifice.

Editor’s Notes

Shuili:  Also known as Parijat, Shefali, Shefalika (Sanskrit), Raat ki Rani, Harsingar (Hindi), Tree of Sorrow, Queen of Night, Night Jasmine, and Coral Jasmine (English)

Kaash: Catkins (white flowers)

Dhaki: Person playing large war drums during Durga Puja

Sharadiya Sankhas:  Special Issues of magazines brought out by various Bengali publishers

Chanda: Donation for the Pujas

Picture design by Anumita Roy, Different Truths

Abu Siddik

Abu Siddik teaches at Plassey College, Nadia, West Bengal, India. He loves to write poem, short story and article on the struggle and resilience of the Indian marginalised communities, the underdogs, the outcasts. He has 12 books.