The end of Durga Puja' 2008 is near. Today is Bijoya Dashami or Dussehra. The oh-so-beautiful idols would be immersed and the 'bisorjon' would be carried out shortly whereby the idols would be immersed in the Ganges. The City of Joy thus moves into a state of melancholy. The divine Mother would be leaving for her heavenly abode soon enough with her children, only to return again next year. Dussehra celebrates the win of 'Good' against 'Evil', but it also brings an end to the five day long Puja and the eagerly awaited festivities.
As always, this year too saw some brilliant displays of art and culture in the Puja pandals. The craftsmanship was of pretty high standards and one was awe-struck at the sheer brilliance of the artists involved. There were several Pandals which carried out themes to depict a special incident or an event or even a page from history and also related it to the ritual. There were also others who stuck to the age old traditions and culture and carried out the Puja, just as it has been done throughout in the entire history. Nevertheless, each exuded a kind of devotion for the Mother which was unique.
The biggest plus was the unity of the people irrespective of the status, class, caste, creed, religion or nationality. Each and every individual enjoyed in his or her own ways. The Mother's doors were open for all and sundry.
In the midst of it all, one could not help but wonder, how could people kill each other in the name of religion. There is one God and we are all his children, regardless of the path we choose to offer our prayers!
Alas! Few people do not understand this!
Sorry, friends, I do not intend to end this post on such a gloomy note. Rather, I would like to wish all of you my sincerest greetings on the occasion of Dussehra and Bijoya. Whichever part of the world, you might hail from, may God bless you and your families with His choicest blessings!
Wish you all "Happy Dussehra" and "Subha Bijoya" !!!
...and for the Mother, "Ma abar esho!"
Photograph courtesy: http://www.bangalinet.com
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