Down the Memory Lane Who says memories are short! Never, when the happenings are lively (notwithstanding the dull & cold weather), people are friendly (despite the heavy overcoats), and social gatherings are refreshing ( bypassing militia checks ). This possibly explains why the memories of our stay in <strong>Moscow</strong> remain so vivid and lively, inspite of the passage of time and signs of age. We, myself and my wife, who became popular as Babydi or Boudi ( Bodi, to some Southern friends ) commenced our adventure in <strong>Moscow</strong> in sub-zero temperatures in November 97 and 10 years later, everything remains fresh and vibrant. We marvelled at the natural and manmade creations of the city, the contrast of the ‘debushkas’ and ‘babushkas’ and so many specialities. But, the celebration of <strong>Durga</strong> <strong>Puja</strong> that we took part in, was simply unmatched. On the advent of the ensuing <strong>Durga</strong> <strong>Puja</strong> celebration, the mind hovers around the happenings there and conveys heartiest greetings to all for the occasion. Our first participation in the <strong>Puja</strong> was in 1998, when my wife, Baby was given the task of preparing some Bhog on a specified day and I,(being associated with Embassy) was on Protocol job. The peers, like Manojda (Bhattacharya) and Mastermoshai (KV School) gave encouragement. It was both nervousness and excitement for Baby and the task started very early morning. Transporting over 25km on snowy roads was also not in my previous driving experience. But, with the grace of Mother Divine, it all went smoothly. The Maharaj, Swami Jyotirupanda ji seemed favourably disposed and we became permanent parties for Bhog and Protocol. Subsequent <strong>Puja</strong>s saw the emergence and disappearance (dissensions!) of some key workers and volunteers. It was interesting to see many with great organising skills, while some lost their cool on flimsy grounds. But the scale of the celebration grew in size and participation. The Prasad and food supply was available to everyone and my tea friend, the Baskaran family, ensured hot tea supply throughout the period (though I became known as the Cha da). The young groups arranged the cultural events during <strong>Puja</strong> and Dinnerdance celebration post-<strong>Puja</strong>. The pre- <strong>Puja</strong> meetings and follow up timeless tele-talks, with new ideas and dissensions could never be forgotten even by the amnesiaites. Having visited or participated in many <strong>Puja</strong> celebrations in and outside India, the experience of <strong>Moscow</strong> <strong>Durga</strong> <strong>Puja</strong> is unique and unparallel. The strict observance of puja rituals, under the supervision of Maharaj would convert even an atheist. It’s like a ‘barir pujo’ expanded into a community one, without digressing even one bit from the main task of worshipping the Mother <strong>Durga</strong>. Personally, both of us became more motivated and to my wife, Baby, her involvement in the <strong>Moscow</strong> <strong>Durga</strong> <strong>Puja</strong> celebration and association with saintly persons like Swami Jyotirupanda ji, was surely her best possession of <strong>Moscow</strong> stay. Sadly, she left us untimely this January, but she always had the happy memories of <strong>Moscow</strong> <strong>Durga</strong> <strong>Puja</strong> along with her. Let the memories live forever. Tapan Chakraborty from Kolkata 16 <strong>aaratrika</strong> / <strong>august</strong> <strong>2008</strong>
<strong>aaratrika</strong> / <strong>august</strong> <strong>2008</strong> 17
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