Nostalgia over Mahalaya

My earliest memories of the Mahalaya is waking up to the baritone of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mohisasuro Mordini. Babi would wake me up sharp at 4 am to listen to the recorded version being aired on Akash Vani. This turned out to be an annual ritual to welcome the goddess on the eve of the Navratri. To this day, my pujo doesn’t commence without the nostalgic goose bumps that are accompanied with the hearing of the ‘Baajlo Tomar Aalor Benu’ and the deep, bass voice.  

Over the years, this was followed by the telecast on Doordarshan and gradually, cable television networks which enacted various renditions of the Moshisasuro Mordini episode, that of good annihilating the evil. In the younger days, the televised versions held subsequent interest which has gradually phased out over the years, due to repeated renditions of the same story. And might I say, the recent renditions are but a sad version of their predecessors, the actors oft are not convincing in their roles and the story development, just pathetic!

Another important part of the Mahalaya or the Devi welcoming occasion has been the torpon. Going over to Bagh Bajar ghats with Ma and Babi to offer our ancestors the holy water of the Ganges, are as integral to this day as the radio recital or television acts.

The travel back home after the torpon till this day is rounded up with visits to the small, hing kochuri outlets that are available at every nook and corner of North Kolkata, harking back on the old world charms and memories of a bygone era. Babi would always elaborate on how old this shop is, which famous personality had visited that one to gorge on the famous hing or koraishutir kochuri.

These continue to be a part of the tradition of welcoming the devi every year. However, recent work related commitments however have robbed me off the pleasure of the ending ritual. However, I still make it a part to hold on to the former traditions.

Tomorrow will be such another day, another year.

Subho Mahalaya.