Soul Connect

In the following years,I made sure that I sunk myself into the festivities. I went out every single day,walked from pandal to pandal capturing the exquisite artworks displayed there and I also tried to learn the history of this festival. The overwhelming festivities of Durga Puja was not a culture shock because I have lived in various other cities in India ,but I have to admit that Durga Puja is unique in many ways too.

The spirit of the festival fascinates me- millions out in the roads with smiles on their faces. How can you not surrender to the joi-de-vivre? Unlike other Americans I don’t have problem with crowds. I actually enjoy them. But I wish the weather was a little better during the festivities. A festival of such nature is ideal for winter months,but I understand the concept of shaarad and respect it.

Another thing I respect is the beautiful artwork on display. The turns into a veritable art gallery during Durga Puja. I particularly remember the Suruchi Sangha Puja pandal which celebrated the folk art of Gujarat.The concept bowled me over and so did the works of the Gujarati artisans who were present in the pandal. It’s wonderful that such initiatives have been taken to promote little-known art forms.

This year,I return to Washington on Sashti,a day that marks the start of the festivities. I feel sad about missing out on the festivities but I have a wealth of memories to take back home.

Douglas G. Kelly hails from Charlottesville ,USA . He joined the American Consulate General at Kolkata as a Public Affairs Officer and Director of the American Center in 2006. He returns home today.

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