The Unofficial Valentine’s Day
Being a probashi bong (originally from West Bengal but relocated for work, education, etc) I have never really had the excitement people — both natives and the probashis alike, share for Durga Puja, because there were always end- sem examinations in that exact week. Every time.
But Saraswati Puja is a whole different thing.
Oddly, of the day of the goddess of knowledge, arts, and music — no one would even turn a page of a textbook. Because the books were all offered to be blessed by the goddess for an entire day so as to score more marks.
Dressed in yellow, we would do our best to get the chants right for pushpanjali, stuffing khichuri labra, and begun bhaja with a cute looking rasgulla to round it off, and spend the day lazing around with friends and playing UNO. The celebrations were so simple and yet so fulfilling.
Saraswati Puja also happens to be known as Bengali Valentine’s day. It is common knowledge that the young ones wait for this day with bated breath. Dressing up for that special someone, eyeing up new crushes -more than devotion, unsurprisingly, its love that makes way into their hearts.
Come evenings, there would be wild excitement in the air as everyone would be showcasing their various talents. Some would sing, some would dance, some would recite, but everyone would definitely have fun. Days would be spent in rehearsal for the D-day.
Some things don’t change, and some things shouldn’t — they should be left exactly the way they are. The vibe of this day is one of them.
Fun, food, and laughter — ar ki chai? (What else can we possibly want more?)
