Nostalgia | Durga Puja

Shines up by Grace of God, a photo by Kuntal Gupta on Flickr.

On Tuesday, I went to the temple yesterday after my classes, for Maha Ashtami Puja. It is the 8th day of Durga Puja, almost towards the end (only two more days to go). It so refreshing to sit in at a puja after quite some time. The sounds of women ululating, the clang of the bells, the booming sounds of the dhaak playing. The tinkling of the priest’s ghonta bell mingling with the verses and chants that he recited for the blessings and protection of the people of the world. The smells of incense, fresh flowers, and oil lamps. Getting drenched in shantir-jol (holy water that brings piece to those showered by it - literally translates to peace-giving water). And finally, the delicious bhog or offerings that we ate afterwards — hot khichuri and luchis and sweets. It was just lovely. 

Today is the actual last day of Durga Puja, Vijay Dashami. Today all over India, the statues of Durga are immersed in bodies of water, and it is said that she returns to her home in the Kailash Mountains. 

This weekend we will be celebrating Durga Puja in my local Bengali community with much pomp and grandeur. New clothes to wear (new saris!!!), good food, and all of my good friends and family. I can’t wait! :D

Updates Updates Updates

Hello hello!! It's been a while...This semester is sooo crazy stressful but I gotta say that it's one of the most enjoyable semesters ever. There is something awesome about being everywhere, doing a million things, keeping busy, AND studying hard. I'm loving it! A little stress is good, even though my stress level has been through the roof recently. BUT IT'S OK! Because it's fall and there are sooooo many things going on!

Things that passed:

1. Durga Puja! Loads of fun and stress, good food, nostalgia, and colors :)

 

2. Diwali just passed last week! So many lights :)

Things coming up:

*Pujas (house decorating - rangoli and diyas and flowers)

*Fall colors 

*HARRY FRICKING POTTER! OMFG! (In case the caps lock didn't tell you, I am the biggest HP fangirl alive)

*Thanksgiving with my family :)

*Final exams (ugggh)

*Christmas Holidays (food, cooking, family, a trip, and presents!)

*New Year's! (looking good in new clothes)

*SNOW!

I LOVE FALL!!!! 

Diwali Magic :)

Happy Diwali!!

I had an awesome Diwali filled with lots of light and delicious food. 
Hope you had an amazing Diwali too!
:)

{Durga Puja}

Festival season is officially here! I'm totally excited. Today is Mahalaya, which marks the first day of the official beginning of the 10 days of Durga Puja, or the worshipping of Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Durga, the warrior avatar of Goddess Parvati, was created by the energy and aura of all the other Hindu Gods when the demon Mahisasura was hell-bent on destroying both the earth and the heavens. She was able to do what no other God or man could do - defeat Mahisasura and free the earth and heavens from his terrible clutches. Thus, she is worshipped for 10 days all over India, most notably in the Eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

I'm studying in my dorm room with the Mahalaya -- an ancient recording that describes Goddess Durga's courageous feat in song, prose, poetry, and prayer - on repeat. When I was growing up in India, we travelled to Varanasi, my ancestral home in Northern India, every September/October for Durga Puja. My whole family used to gather there -- it was a great big mish mosh part full of cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, grandparents, neighbors, and so many other people. I loved the time when my Dad, every year around September, would write a letter to my school asking me to be excused for about two weeks so that we could travel to Varanasi for Durga Puja.

It's been nine years since I've been home to Varanasi for Durga Puja. I've kept in touch by going to Durga Pujas in the area. Here, my friends, aunties and uncles have become my second family, but it isn't the same. Durga Puja in the States is crammed into one weekend - two and a half days in place of 10 days of constant fun and family. I miss it dearly!

I'm sharing some images of what Durga Puja means to me -- enjoy!

 

Sindoor Khela - at the end of Durga Puja.

 

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Smokey smokey...this is what Durga Puja looks like in India. Smoke, hundreds of lamps, the heady smell of incense and sandalwood, flowers, priests, chanting and prayer.

  

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Dhunuchi Naach!

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I love the sound of dhaak drums - they are so Bengali and every time I hear them I think of puja.

--

{I started writing this post last Thursday and didn't finish until now...hence the start of Mahalaya reference)

Festival Season -- Part 2!

I have more gorgeous jewelry to feature today!! This time, courtesy of my all time favorite, Tanishq! The jewelry here is from their Glam Gold collection and their Wedding collection. Both are gorgeous, minimalistic, and totally not gaudy! I love them -- they will add just the right amount of glam to your outfit this festival season!!

 Necklaces! 

 

Love these ornaments -- a back ornament and an arm band -- they have my name written all over them! Now, if all gold was like this, I would be wearing it 24/7!

{Tanishq Glam Gold Collection}

Subtle pieces from Tanishq's wedding collection to rock! Statement earrings, an intricate pendant, and a peacock cuff. I love Indian cuffs with animal designs on them! 

 

Yes, I know it's not minimalistic. I know. Not in the least.

But it is SO PRETTY!! OMG. Sorry, having a fangirl moment right now.

This necklace is totally on my wishlist! 

:)

{Tanishq Wedding Collection}

Festival Season!

There is a definite chill in the air, which totally means that Indian festival season is close by! Durga Puja, Diwali, Navaratri -- it's all coming up! A very exciting and colorful time for all of us. Which, of course, means that it's time for a new Indian wardrobe!!

Festivals mean bright color, sequins, lots of bling and hot shoes. Check out a few favorites from my festival wish lists! :)

First, jewelry. Accessories are the best part of a wardrobe -- you can wear something simple, and totally jazz it up with tons of cool accessories!

Gorgeous earrings and a cuff from Popli & Sons (spotted on exclusively.in)

 Statement brooches and cuffs from jewelry designer Farah Khan.

{Farah Khan}

 1. Forever 21 Textured Ivory Ring

2. Forever 21 Beaded Warrior Necklace

3. Forever 21 Jeweled Owl Stretch Ring

4. Forever21 Opulent Shield Ring

{Forever 21}

5. Forever 21 Fancy Rhinestone Ring

6. Forever 21 Elegant Filigree Earrings

7. Forever 21 Peacock Polished Earrings

{Forever 21}