Just About Everything

My cousin Soma is made of no ordinary stuff. Who we are today is shaped by a lot of people we have come across in our life ...I have come across several such wonderful people in my life who have left a lasting impression on me, but if I have to talk about the one person who has made and continues to make a significant impact in my life then that would be "My cousin Soma". Though we are not in the same age group, in my mind and anyone who knows her, she is forever 16. A gold medallist in History, she is a one of the most well travelled, intelligent, and knowledgeable persons that I have ever come across, and she happens to be a favourite teacher! Many of her students started enjoying history and opted to take up history in their further studies because of her interesting history classes. Not just history, if you have a teacher who is a good listener, a friend, philosopher and guide…what else would you wish for! I often wish I could have attended some of her classes. She s...

Durga idol-Trikon Park Even though Durga puja is long gone…I could not resist sharing some more beautiful and creative pandals from South Kolkata. The themes are mostly tribal, barring a couple, that are unique in their own way. These Durga puja pandals are from Kalighat, Southern Avenue, and Santoshpur areas of South Kolkata. Rajasthani themed puja Tribal themed puja

Durga idol-Hindustan Park Kolkata Here are some more Durga puja pandals from South Kolkata. It keeps getting better and better... With Durga pujas now over, there is a bit of sadness in the air... the celebrations got over too soon:(   The puja fever is really something...no one gets spared…it is infectious...it just engulfs you. It is difficult to express how it feels unless you are in Kolkata and are a part of these celebrations. There is so much more to Durga puja than it being a religious festival where Goddess Durga is worshipped.  In fact, I would say it is much beyond a religious festival, it is a time for celebration, a joyous occasion when families and friends get together, delicious khichdi bhog is devoured by one and all (I wait for the khichdi…I have never tasted anything as delicious as this khichdi), gifts are exchanged, one wakes up to the sound of dhaks, and the best part is the creative and beautiful puja pandals and idols... Oh what a treat! ...