...ringing in the new year - 1414!

Shubho Naboborsho!
Happy Bengali New Year, 1414!

I've just finished clearing all the cobwebs that were clinging on to this web-page. I guess it still needs a bit of 'starch' and 'ironing', but that's something that I'm going to have to follow up and work on in the months that follow.

We rolled onto this 'brand new year' just about a week ago, but it took me six more days to take the initiative to actually type this out. The word 'procrastination' is very aptly defined through the phrase - ' the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!'. Hey! That's me! ;-)

[Left/Below: Lakshmi and Ganesh idols]

While we're on the subject of spirits (not the ones that come in attractive, alluring bottles!) - there's, of course, that divine something else that we're not normally supposed to be able to see or hear or smell or touch (unless we're just that extra bit special, or we feel just that extra bit special... hint: spirits in bottles!), but profusely believe in, fear and love nonetheless - God. [No, please don't throw down a bolt of thunder & knock my lights out for good. Not just yet. Still lots left to do...] ... Anyway, I digress... coming back to the point - the arrival of this new "bangabdo" (new year) is a total 'feel bengali' event. I mean - seriously speaking - in this day and age of total confusion and multiple-identity crises, its a nice opportunity to get in touch with who you are (without actually having to go and watch 'The Namesake').

[Right/Below]: Puja in progress]

God (which is what I originally intended the previous paragraph to be about) -- we had a lovely Lakshmi-Ganesh puja on 'poila baisakh' (the first day of the first month of the calendar - Baisakh) for the 'shanti' (peace) and well-being of our family and the world that surrounds us all. Full marks (and a pat on our own backs ;-)...) for the ambience, as well as the 'cha' and 'singaras' that followed. Finally, a bit of singing (read: Tagore) to seal the deal. Thanks for everything, Atanu-da (every 'para' should have an Atanu-da!). No, he's not on Wikipedia just yet :-)

This was preceded by a 'shopping' series - I am clubbing together 'all' the activities when I say this. Determined shoppers (mostly women - primarily our adorable moms and aunties) fighting it out for the best deals and discounts in the bazaar (buy1, get 2!). Wearing "new" clothes is supposed to be mandatory. From a shopping perspective - this is the pre-Durga-Puja fever all over again, scaled down a few factors. Meanwhile, the other family members (read: the male contingent, by default) run from pillar to post, bringing home bags full of everything from pots and pans to incense-sticks, potatoes and watermelons - based on an almost never-ending 'list' (made via several rounds of consultation with the family elders and the 'pandit') . :-)

The post 'khichuri--aloor-dum--begun-bhaja' (Mom always works wonders in the kitchen!) period saw us engaged in a serious session of family 'rooftop cricket'. Brushing our disappointment (thanks to India's 'brilliant' world-cup performance) aside, we sweated and battled on - every man for himself... and woman (my sisters were participating in this rare event) too! We had our own set of rules (e.g. 'one-drop-one-hand', for those who've been there before), some of which were harsh and unforgiving! The action continued till we were forced to call off play due to bad light. But, no worries - another attraction awaited us a few floors below - Mohun Bagan vs. East Bengal. A few 'ghoti' vs. 'bangal' duels (each of these camps is convinced that they are the "real" bengalis! :-)...) were taking place dangerously close to the television, whilst the match dribbled on. In spite of the fact that FIFA thinks we're 'ancient' when it comes to football, I thought the match was pretty good. To our delight (and Atanu-da's dismay), Mohun Bagan emerged victorious!

And now... a bunch of 'anothers'. This marks - another financial year (originally). Another chance, after 1st Jan, to rethink and renew any resolutions that may have gone astray over the past few months. Another reason to celebrate. Another day spent basking in the glow and warmth that come free with being in a typically bengali family. :-)

All in all - a good start to the 'notun bochhor' (new year) at my end. Here's wishing you the very best in all your endeavours! Shubho (belated) naboborsho once again.

May your dreams come true.
Preeti o subhechha-soho...

Sourav