Anticipation

You can do whatever you want to ward off anticipation, but it sticks to you like a hangover. And in my case, this one’s going to last for about two whole weeks. For the Bengalis who are in the vicinity, you already know what I’m talking about. For the rest; anticipating what, you ask?

The serene face borne of clay…

The endless sound of a distant dhaak…

Looking forward to gobbling mounds of shondesh (a Bengali dessert made out of paneer), trying hard to not get involved in slicing and dicing fruits for bhog.

Extending our cheeks to catch a handful of ruby red vermilion dealt out by our mothers…

And yes, the food. Oh, the food. I cannot help but salivate at the thought of khichudi (rice and lentils boiled together with onions and spices to a risotto-like consistency), begun bhaja (fried slices of spicy aubergine), mangsher jhol (mutton curry) and a sweet parade that is hard to believe.

Anticipation is hard work.

Rehearsals in the meantime are on at full throttle. You try teaching 40 odd people how to dance and then we’ll talk.

However, I did find time to sneak away to Kumartuli to grab a few snapshots of Ma Durga idols being made. Thought of sharing some with you.