Rattling the wee dawn by donning my only white Panjabi I scurried through the regular lanes with fresh impetus for a grand foray to
The vehicle was gaining momentum relinquishing all ties and hitches seeking for a better tomorrow. In between, I called up my colleague cum Hydrabadi friend who was all geared up to pay his first homage at Kalighat , the vehicle sprinted surpassing all nocturnal delicate traffic barricades. I stepped down at Rashbehari crossing to have my waiting friend at toe….ooh…I was already enjoying the company of one of my childhood friend as he also managed to get hold of the same vehicle…nevertheless what a day to rejoice an unprecedented union. So from Rashbehari three of us; headed for the shrine, Ram my hydrabadi friend was quite inquisitive about the special day and wanted to grasp the maximum jovial proceedings. So finally we took our left and entered Kali Temple Road ; bare body priests scattered here and there stalking every devotee; garlands of marigold and china rose being watered for the best price bargain, the road had an eccentric gusto, hawkers sitting behind the piled up red books (Hal Khata) promising a better start for the upcoming year in all spheres of transaction. My childhood friend runs his own medical shop so it has a special meaning for him altogether, so there was wide variety he had to pick up, starting from the red book with a Swastik on the cover binding, Raju (My Childhood friend) was very conversant with the prices and all so he had a healthy bargain of all the items.
The entrance of the temple was heavily cordoned with Kolkata police….Ram was somewhat flummoxed with the early day crowd and was finding it slightly difficult paving his way, though I was survillent. It was quarter to 5…and devotees were jostling around with supreme energy they had already formed handful number of circles around the main shrine of the goddess. Devotees were standing back to back with their offerings holding above their head to keep it sacred as much as possible; some resting by the marble wall some by the railing, I could already see some losing on their sprit but still not ready to give up until they realize the goddess within best proximity. We took a deliberate short cut and went up to the Nath Mandir which was buzzing with Sanskrit chants by the priests in business. I was under the impression that from Nath Mandir I will at least have one chance to set my eyes on her on the first day but even after nudging and squeezing out there I could just manage to see the crown.
For a moment, I was upset, as Ram didn’t have the right kind of rendezvous with her….honestly I was content and happy that at least I was among so many on the first day of the Bengali New Year …….i am genuinely thankful to her as things are far away from bleak and will also glitter very shortly. SUBHA NABOBORSHO ….May god bless U.
No comments:
Post a Comment