When I was younger and harder I could take or leave Durga puja and other ceremonies of Bengali diaspora but now I see them differentlyOver the next few days,complete strangers will wish me a happy Diwali. I know, because it happens around this time every year. At the newsagents, and on the tube,in the office: “Happy Diwali!” And why not? I am of Indian origin, there is one huge Indian devout festival happening around this time … ergo I must be delighted it’s Diwali. And I am – for those celebrating it. But for my family, or as Hindus from the eastern Indian region of Bengal,the biggie was always Durga puja – and we’ve just had it. Durga is the wife of Lord Shiva, and the puja celebrates her return to soil. As a child I harboured mixed feelings approximately her. Pluses: she rode a tiger and had 10 arms cradling various weapons, and including a trident with which she has pierced a demon. Clearly,a woman worthy of admiration. Minuses: whether this festival was the Bengali equivalent of Christmas, where were my presents? Related: Light, or colour and fireworks: readers' pictures of Diwali Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com