Just About Everything

                               Durga puja 2021 Durga pujas have always been special to me. 2021 Durga pujas were even more so because I went out to see some pandals after a long time! I did not see any in 2020. Not that I could see too many this time, I saw very few since I had to restrict myself given that the pandemic is still at large.The few pandals that I did mange to see were beautiful, creative, and had  a theme and message. It was a short tour of three hours. We started very early in the morning and ended our tour by indulging in piping hot and super delicious luchi and dal (Bengali style) from a sweet shop for breakfast. Pujas are incomplete without food...all Bengalis will agree with that for sure:) Below are pics of  Durga puja pandals I saw in South Kolkata. As usual I was floored by these beautiful and creative idols and pandals.  I hope next year things will be back to normal and...

Diwali (the festival of lights) is a wonderful time when every home, every street, every city in India is lit up with lights, and every heart glows with warmth within. My wish this Diwali is for a world full of compassion, love, patience, joy,...a world where each of us feels safe, respected, and accepted.  May this Diwali: Bring you Joy Bathe you with Love  Immerse you in peace Touch you with kindness Greet you with laughter Bring good health and fortune Bring out your caring and giving self Bring out the best in you Happy Diwali !

Happy Holi! This ancient Indian festival that celebrates the beginning of spring, harmony, love, and forgiveness, has made inroads into hearts of people all over the world. This festival of colour is celebrated by people from all walks of life and that in my mind is the best thing about any festival, a festival that brings joy to everyone! Holi is all about colours because it marks the beginning of spring. Holi means bringing colour (joy) in our lives and letting go of darkness (sadness). Derived from the word " Holika ", Holi is all about celebrating the goodness in everything. The celebrations begin from the night before Holi, a bonfire is lit,   signifying the burning of evil (Holika) and the victory of good. People gather around the bonfire, snack on roasted peanuts and sesame laddus (sweet)  and have great fun bonding with family and friends during this time. I wish this Holi brings abundance of joy, well-being, success, good health, and most of all, love,...