My early memories from childhood often center around the delicious food of Durga Puja. In the home of our Hindu neighbor, Ashima Apu, I had the pleasure of tasting some of the most exquisite dishes ever!
As a six-year-old, the traditional Puja treats seemed modest in comparison to the grand festival feasts I was accustomed to. However, when presented on the freshly polished, gleaming brass plates, even the simplest of dishes appeared unique and tasted heavenly.
While my favorite treats at that age were the snacks like naroos and moas, it is the vegetarian platter that remains vivid in my memory and the one I miss the most. In our neighbor’s home, they had perfected a distinct version of the everyday food we consumed. The lentils had a distinctive flavor, as did the vegetarian dishes. The secret perhaps lay in the addition of panch phoron to the mix, although that would be oversimplifying it.
Even the basic luchies, which I now understand were deep-fried in a generous amount of clarified butter, had an exquisite taste. Despite my persistent efforts to replicate that exact flavor, aroma, and presentation, I have failed to capture the essence of the Puja atmosphere.
During the Puja season, Bangladesh Television would broadcast Durga Puja specials. The vivid visuals depicting Durga’s triumph over the evil Mahishasura made a lasting impression on my young mind, serving as a timeless representation of the eternal battle between good and evil. The image of Durga instilled in me a sense of beauty that still resonates in my heart after many years.
Each day, the loud sound of the conch shell resonates in the air during morning and evening rituals, originating from a different Hindu household. For some reason, it transports me back to the late 1980s. Life during that time may have been simpler, but not necessarily better. Ashima Apu left Shantinagar many years ago. While we maintained a strong bond for decades, as is often the case, even the closest relationships can fade with time.
Life teaches us that change is inevitable, and not always for the better. “Agey ki shundor din kataitum” is a line from a popular song, but it does not always reflect reality. We are in control of our destinies, and it is up to us to shape our own futures.
Warm wishes for the autumnal festival season!
– Sunerah
Fashion Styling & Direction: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Wardrobe: Kumudini