Just one of those tryin times...

Writing after a long hiatus of nearly 4 months...
My only excuse was sheer mental fatigue!!
Trying to divide time, working on, several projects at one go...
Desperately need a vacation to regroup... no one is listening...
Have been living out of a suitcase for the past week!!!
Came to Asansol for an event…
Event over… but still stuck in this godforsaken place…
Woke up early in the morning today… to catch the 7am Volvo service to Kolkata… only to be informed that due to a stupid phenomenon called “Bangla Bandh”, the bus will not ply… there were blockades at various places on the main arterial road and buses were being burnt!!!
I mean, why burn buses? How will that solve the problem of ever-rising prices of vegetables, I wonder?
A work day… the first day of the week…a month-end, goes waste…
30th of a month is a payday for most people…
There was a group of Japanese, who had boarded the bus, they had a flight to catch from Kolkata airport…!!! What must these poor guys be thinking?
I felt ashamed to be a denizen of this state…!!!
In the current scenario… the Indian industrialists, themselves, won’t venture into any investments in this state… so we can forget about foreign investments!!!
A bunch of jokers, who fancy themselves as politicians don’t bother to think along these lines… & the future of our country, depends on them…!!!
The egocentric morons, who do the frontline execution of the vandalism, fail to realize that they are mere pawns in the whole scheme of things… and will be sacrificed in the chequered board of dirty politics… once their need is over!!
And this phenomenon will never stop till the nexus between the police & politicians is axed…
Bandh has become, so much a part & parcel of our lives in Kolkata, that we often fail to react to it…
Today, however as I sit all alone in our office bunglow in Asansol…with a plate of cold… badly made chowmein… I can feel the level of frustration rising in me…. AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!
I am missing home… especially my beloved Bala… who waits for me every day at the door, with a wet nose… grinning face… wagging tail… and love in his warm brown eyes…

Weekend Rocks @ Durgapur City Centre

My first series of events after joining Bengal Shristi was titled "Weekend Rocks!!" out of sheer lack of inspiration!!! (LOL!!!)
Getting sponsors onboard was not a song... and there was hardly anyone who would come forward for the same...
I am extremely thankful to Debopriyo Ghoshal, Head Marketing, Reliance Mobile, who liked the concept and agreed to become a sponsor....

The First Weekend - 13th June 09, the Band, 'Shorojontro' was sponsored by Purple Music, for this I am extremely thankful to my friend & ex-colleague - Roopal Kabiraj, Managing Partner- Purple Music!!!

Band: Shrojontro, performing @ Kalangan, Durgapur City Centre

The Second Weekend - 20th June 09, the Band, 'Sandhan' was sponsored by Karma Events, thanks to my friend & ex-colleague - Satadru Sarkar, Proprietor, Karma Events!!!
Band: Sandhan, after the event @ Kalangan, Durgapur City Centre

Standing on the bridge to watch the setup from above....

The Third Weekend - 27th June 09, their were two Bands, both sponsored by Big Music, thanks to my friend & ex-colleague - Shouvik Dutta, Manager Content, Big Music & Video!!!

1st Band: Comus @ the Odyssey Club, Durgapur City Centre

2nd Band: Samik & troupe @ the Odessey Club, Durgapur City Centre

With only the final show to go... taking a breather with Hritik... (RODL)!!!

Vote Pujo

The City of Joy voted today...
Yesss... we did!!
"Baro Mashey Tero Paarbon..." thats the good old Kolkata for you... and if thats not enough... add VOTE PUJO.... whenever it comes... people celebrate in style....!!!
And why not? its a bonus holiday after all...
Regular office goers take a break from their regular 9 to 5 schedule and rise late...
I have been voting in the South Kolkata ever since I turned 18 yrs....
And in this Part of the city.. its almost like a social occassion.
The whole family goes out together....
Most of them dress up as if they are going out for a pre- wedding lunch....!!! (for heaven's sake!!)
They catch up at the polling centre with friends & neighbours, whom they had not met for quite some time... (damn.. )
Discussion place: outside the building... under the trees... on the stairs while standing in que... and for people who are not afraid to show their party inclinations- the party office booths!!!
Topic of discussion: As varied as, " Votey ke Jeetbe mone hoy?" / "tomar sari ta bhari shundor..!!" / Anjali Jewellers ey gechile?" / "Recession time... chakrir bazaar khub kharaap..." / "KKR ja khelchey... amader parar chele gulo aro bhalo khele...SRK khub bhul korlo!!!!" / "Vodafone advt gulo dekhecis, ki cute!!!"
Some even venture out to play cricket... (in this heat.. can u believe it...!! There is no dirth of enthusiasm...)
OR, simply like us....
We waited for friends to meet... went to the polling centre.. caste our votes... & then one of my friend's said....
" Aaj bikele 7pm .. bhabchi maal khete jabo... ke ke jabi bol..."
So, We too celebrated VOTE PUJO..., with vodka & beer...
And by the time we left the restaurant... the place had filled up with like minded people (LOL!!!)
So there.... Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers!!! (HIC!!)

KOLKATA (Part 13) Christmas @ New Market

Enter the centre point of the OLD New Market... and you are in for a visual treat...
Tall green Christmas Trees...
Glittering stalls full of crackers...streamers...bells... balls...
Shining Stars hang high above...
Party caps & greetings galore...
with Santa smiling from his plastic wraps...
I remember when I was a kid... I used to love going there during christmas... seemed to me like a twinkling fairy land.
HO HO HO...!!! Merry Christmas!!

Launch Holo... Kailasheyer...

A few tense pensive moments before the start of the event... no matter how many times I have stood on stage to compere an event... I still get stage frights...





Calling on the cast and crew of the film "Kailashey Kelenkari"








The Release Box being handed over & opened...







Sabhyasachi says a few words.... regarding the experience of shooting the film..







Mr. Sandip Ray... talks about the film & his future plans...









Thanking the Press... & the guests...from the podium







An autograph from Sabhyasachi .. for Mohua, my colleague from Big Music.




Biplab Chatterjee... among one of the first persons to arrive... he was very upset with the unavoidable delay, to start the event... & spoke to me very rudely when I went to him, in order to apologize... however he was later sorry & apologized to me...




With Biplab , Bhibhu Da & Shouvik .. chitchatting...






Shouvik, who was a nervous wreck at the evnet as this was his first Mega Home Video Launch... tells me something in hushed tone..




With JK & Partho da.... just chilling...






Thank god.... Its over & I am home free... feeling the breeze ... standing at the rails of Floatel.

A KODAK MOMENT!
The Kailashey Kelekari Team with the Big Music Team..

Baritey, Kojagari Lokkhi Pujo

Hothat decide korlaam je barite lokkhi pujo kora uchit... tai ey baar Kojagari Purnimaar din...
Shob jogaar kore... shara din uuposh kore... shondhey bela pujo korlaam... khob bhalo laglo....

Pujo Maneyi...

Pujo maneyi... Mayer aasha...
Pujo maneyi... Khushi...
Pujo maneyi... notun jama
anek anek beshi...

Pujo maneyi... Pushpanjoli
shokaaler chaan serey
Pujo maneyi... bhog khawa
shob kaaj pheley

Pujo maneyi... dhunor gondho
phool, chandan, jol
Pujo maneyi... melaye jabo
shobai miley chol!!!

Pujo maneyi... adda-aashor
parar more more
Pujo maneyi... ghutre jawa
babar haat dhore

Pujo maneyi... pandel ghora
jege raat-bhor
Pujo maneyi… dhaker aawaj
kataye ghumer ghor

Pujo maneyi… chobi tola
Mayer protimaar
Pujo maneyi… ekkeybare,
bhandha gorur chaar

Pujo maneyi... shober sheyshey
aashche botchoor aabar…
Pujo maneyi… mishti mukh
Shubho bijoyaar!!!

Pujo Porbo...

Tulo Megh, kore chuto-chuti,
Sharoter nil akaashey.
Mridu hawaye dole kash phul.
Sheulir gondhe, kalo bhromorer gun-gun

Baddir awaze bhenge galo ghum
Khushir phoyara chute uthlo prane…
Pujo aasheche… pujo aasheche, bole galo kane.

Shankho dhwani janalo, Debir agomon
Paancho pradeepey porlo ghee…
Shuru holo shlok paath
Bajlo kanshor ghanta

Pushpanjalir alo ebaar pala.
Hajeer hoyeche jone-jone koto lok,
Janate tader bhakti…
Tara chaye, Mayer ashirbaad o kripa dristi.

Mongolmoyee r kache, kore kar jod…
Mongol kamona kore…shudhu din bhor.
Ektu shukh ar shantir aasha,
Ayi niye e to shobar bechethaka.

Mahishashur Mardini, taar dosho-bhuja vesh
Kanchan borno, kunchito kesh.
Aalokito mukho-mondol, potol chera chokh…
Montro - mugdho kore, amay, hazaar hok.

Binaar taare dhore niye tan,
Ma Saraswati janaye nijer abosthan

Kamal ashone, Ma Lakkhier biram…
Dhoner Debike janayi shador pronaam.

Kumar kartik er shundor roop,
Jayno golaper paprite, ekti shishirer bindu.

Shankha- chakra- gada- padma hathey…
Shree Ganesh thik royeche shathe.

Khushir aamez choriye gache deek digantoye
Manusher kolorob, bhenpur aawaz shona jaye duur theke.
Notun shaaj poshakey, khayla kore shishura…
Mukhe tader haanshi…
Tader chokher chamak, haar manay akaasher tara der…

Char din… thik, char din mot…
Dukkho bhule shob hoyeche ek jot
Khushir khaya bhashate chay
Ma amader, aasheyi to tai…

KOLKATA (11) - Agomoni

"Ya devi sarbabhuteshshu,
Sakti rupena sanksthita...
Namasteshwai, Namasteshwai, Namasteshwai namo namaha."
These chants work as a catalyst in waking up the sleeping Bengali spirit!!!
Perfuming the air with gaiety...
It is the start of a long season of festivities...
The most aupicious occassion of Durga Puja...
It's almost as if everyone loses control... everything else takes a backseat... especially work...!!!
I saw the 'Pandal' being crafted very beautifully in my Locality....
Coloured with the same brush... by the virtue of being a Bengali.. I went to the pandal, on the way back from office...., to take a sneek peak before the unveiling of the deity on 'Maha Panchami' day...
My senses erupted in a roit of colours... as I looked at the Deity....
Even half finished.. I knew.. it would be beautiful...
A very 'Totem pole-ish' appeal.... reminds me of the one I saw in Germany...

A beautiful representation of Ma Durga... with her children (Devi Saraswati, Devi Laxmi... Kumar Kartikeya & the lovable Lord Ganesha... (I quite like the balancing act on the bull's horns...)

Mahisasur here.... reminds me of the Bhutan Dragon....!!!

Painting work in progress... with only a few days to go... Artists are trying to finish the work on war footing...!!!!

Artist adding final touches to the deity of Ma Durga...

After seeing this.. I am eagerly waiting for the pujas to arrive..!!!!!

"Debi Pokkhey r holo agomon…
Khushir hawaye dulchey Kaash Phul
Jhir-jhir borshaye roder lukochuri…
Kokhono ba, chutey byraye,
Shoroter nil aakashey, shadaa tulo megh…

Aaste aaste gore utheychey parar morer Mondop…
Ma yer aashar opekkhaye…
Aalok shaaj, shojjaye jhol-mol kore mahanagori…

Agami Pujor din gulo tomaar bhalo katuk…
Tomake r tomar priyojon der janai, Sharodiya Preeti O Subhechha…!!!
Bhalo theko… Aanondo koro…
Eti
Rimi"

KOLKATA (Part 10)- Torpon,Mahalaya

28th Sept 08. 1:30pm. Mullik Ghat.

I accompanied my father & uncle for the annual ritual of 'Torpon' on the banks of the river Hoogly...
The generally deserted Mullik Ghat, was thronging with people.... The Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) can be seen in the background.

By the time we reached, people were already present in hordes The River Hoogly flows under the Howah Bridge... while the people offer their prayers...
During the performance of the ritual, prayers are offered to the spirits of parents & fore-fathers by their sons or kins...

The large cantilever Howrah Bridge stands tall in the background.... while a priest performs the rituals in the fore ground...
A priest & a devotee chanting 'Mantras'.... The priest holds in his hands a dog-eared copy of 'Shlokas' & a ' Kansha' (brass) salver with 'Dhaan', 'Til', 'Chaal', 'Phool', Dubbo'...

A priest blessing a man with 'Gonga-mati' (mud from the Ganges)


'Kosha-Kushi' a spoon-like copper utensil which is used extensively during all 'Pujas' for holding the holy water of the Ganges...
Dad, offering his prayers to the Almighty.... 'Torpon'

'Pind- Daan' ... so that the soul of the dearly departed can rest in peace...

Some people prefer to perform more elaborate rituals...

Vaisnavs singing 'Kirtans'... Devotees at the Shiva temple behind Mullik Ghat...

On my way back, down the over bridge, I found a woman selling a bag full of 'Dhutro-Phool' this is used as offerings only to Lord Shiva!!!

In total, an unique experience... I had never been to the river side during this time ever in my life... I wadded knee deep in water to take the 'Torpon' photographs... Got my jeans wet in the process... Felt the squilching mud under my feet... but enjoyed the experience... much to the amusement of my father & uncle....

KOLKATA (Part 9) Jagganath Ghat, Flower Market

I have lived in Kolkata all my life and perhaps would have gone through the rest of it without being completely aware of the different facets of my beautiful city... Its only since I have started writing my blog, that I am taking time off, to rediscover the City Of Joy...

Jagannath Ghat/Mullick Ghat. Having heard a lot about this place... I could hardly wait to visit it... I was warned about the place being unsafe ... about the mud...but I just thought that if it was a part of my city... my voyage of discovery will not be complete till I went for a visit.

I took a taxi... but it seemed that the driver was also unaware of the exact location... I told him to take me to Howrah ... at least to the base of the bridge... It really seemed to me , that I had picked a wrong day to start the expedition...there was a huge traffice jam...at every possible cross-road, the sky was over cast... with every passing tick of my wrist-watch, light was failing, even though it was not even 4:00pm...

My taxi crawled to the city base of the bridge... I leaned out and asked a policeman about the location of the Jagannath Ghat... he guided us towards 'Posta'... (yesssss.. the same Posta, made famous by poet Sukumar Ray "Shunte pelaam Posta giye....")
This is touted to be one of Asia's largest flower market...

I stepped out of the cab... there was nothing resembling a ghat.. forget about flower market... there were only dusty, dingy godowns... vendors... lorries lined up... and MUCK!!! Men there looked as me strangely... I could almost hear them wondering aloud.." ye kahan se aa gayi ?"

I asked around for directions... and was guided to the ghat... The sight that met my eyes was quite different from what my romantic soul imagined....

People Bathing... washing utensils, on the bank of Hoogly.... at Jagganth Ghat, the large cantilever bridge (Rabindra Setu, or Howrah Bridge as it is popularly called...) can be seen in the background.
Small boats on the Hoogly.... (this scenery reminds me of the innumerous landscapes that I used to draw as a child...)
'Shiva shringaar'... the temple on the bank of river Hoogly... being decorated by the temple priest...

As I could see no signs of the Flower market... I thought that since I had arrived late... the sale of flowers must be over...

I didnt want to look stupid.. but I still asked one of the guys in front of teh temple... " Flower market kahan hai??"

"Is galli se nikal ke dahina.." came the prompt reply....

"Abi tak khula hai?" I asked with bated breath....

"Hain.. hain..." .... I thanked him gleefully... & skipped ahead...

As I made my way towards the market through the meandering lane... I could see nothing but leaves strewn all about... a strong stench of rotting foliage assailed my senses... my feet quilched the muck underfoot...

However, my persistence was rewarded....FINALLY.... A riot of colour greeted me...

Roses & Marigolds... The flower -seller's sari matches the colours to perfection.... Rani Mukherji smiles from the faded blue background... Brilliant Colours from The Almighty's colour palette....
These two little ones kept running around me... they wanted their photos to be taken..The Guardian... she barked at me for trespassing...A Marigold seller & his daughter...Marigolds gallore....!!!This brilliant blue flowers are called 'Aparajeeta'Mixed Yellow & orange Marigold strands...

Vendors with basket ful of Marigold & 'Kaamini' flowersWhite strands of 'Togor' flowers, strikes a contrast with the colourful marigolds...Md. Ayub Ali.... is how he introduced himself.... Lotus seller..
'Rajnigandha' malas....
An old man selling white 'Togor' strands....Strands of blue 'Aparajeeta' & red 'Rangan'....
Flowers being valued & sold...Marigold Curtain...
' Jui'(Jasmine) flowers... Selling 'Dhutro' & 'Akundo' flowers...

Innocent best...!!! the little girl... tired of running around, has fallen asleep on the plastic gunny bags... right next to the 'Kaamini' flowers... she is totally unaware of the chaos around her...

Million Dollar Smiles....here caste creed didnt matter.. every one worked hand in hand... together ....helping eachother... as one BIG family...
'Kaamini'.... Red, pink & white...
Buying & selling Marigold...
A 'Rosy' Bouquet

A flower seller sits surrouned by 'Kaamini' & 'Aparajeeta' Flowers..
Three Musketeers.... sweet jovial boys...
A colourful swan...
The Rose sellers... making bundles...of the mose romantic flower in history of mankind.
Selling beautiful garlands made out of 'Moti Bel' & Marigold... this bispectacled man was very happy to have his photo clicked...
Flowers... Flowers....& more flowers...
Garlands & bouquets of roses.....
A Busy marigold seller...
Of Flowers & scales.... the wicker baskets are used to weigh the fowers...

A seller shuffles his flowers.....
Vendors take a break from selling their colourful wares....
A woman selling Marigolds...
A peanut seller...
The only lady I found selling Dhubbo... ( the three leafed grass, which is used for all pujas & ashirvaad ceremonies, especially in Bengal...)
An old man... setting with Marigold strands...
The three women selling flowers... these 'Akundo' flowers are ment only for Lord Shiva!!!
All in a row......

White profusion of the 'Togor' flowers...

A heap of 'Lotus'

The floral head gear meant for deities.... Brides...

A man selling "Aparajeeta' and 'Rajanighandha' strands
'Aparajeeta', Marigold,'Togor' and 'Kaamini'...
'Jui' Mala.....
The Red Hibiscus garlands, generally meant for Godess Kali...

Vendor holding up 'Moti-Bel' garlands... they do look like pearls...

The Creator & his creations...
A garland beautifully crafted out of maroon 'Morog-Jhunti' & yellow marigolds, I loved the rich velvety texture of the flowers...
Lali... she didnt quite like me invading her space & spoiling her beauty sleep... Sorry darling.. but you looked too cute to miss....
Colourful 'Jarbaras' jostle for space... Seen very often as the patent flower at the city 5 star hotels....these flowers are sent here from Bangalore or as far asThailand
Beautiful Garlands....
A boy at the Ghat. The gigantic Cantilever bridge... the vast expanse of the mighty river... all contrasts sharply with his dimunitive form... his loneliness comes through... there is not even a single bird in the sky...
A Typical scene from the steps of Mullick Ghat...
The Mullick Ghat building....
An Artist carving out thermacol Panels....
Stringing the flowers...
Delicate, colourful Orchids....
Here, I found a man who sold, accessories...colourful accompaniment for the equally beautiful flowers...
The market, which is situated just below the Howrah Bridge, continues its brisk business even" 'er the set of sun.." A yellow marigold seller....

As I wrapped up the day with this last shot... I could feel myself smilning... I cant remember a day when I enjoyed myself so much... I didnt realise when, amidst all my tramplings... my jeans got caked with mud... my kurti got splattered... I was like a child in the candy store, running gleefully from one end of the market to another...

A COLLAGE....

An Experience perfumed with the joy of existence...

Beautiful in its simplicity

Candid in its openness

Nascent in its innocence

Their warm smiles

Cheerful ribbing

Colloquial chatter
Their camaraderie

And unbiased bonding...

Has carved a niche for itself in my heart.... as I take back home a lot of beautiful and cherished memories....