‘Festas’

By Navneet K Maun

Festivals celebrate, the beautiful colours

of cultural heritage.

Keeping alive traditions for posterity.

A respite from the mundane life.

Spreading happiness, joy.

A time to rejuvenate, bond

forgive and forget.

.

The joie-de-vivre

of Durga Puja celebrations.

Pandal* hopping in new attires

the very air abuzz

with excitement, bonhomie, music.

.

Tantalizing smells

of pucchka, ghugni, alur chops*, cuisine

enticing one and all

with gourmet delights.

.

Maa Durga’s matchless, divine beauty

instills in us faith, hope and courage

binding millions of hearts.

.

Each and every festival

propagates brotherhood, peace and harmony

an absolute precedent.

.

The quintessence of festivals

Lost in the metropolis

Of hectic lifestyle, numerous diversions

gridlock acting as dampeners.

.

Where are the folklores

That enthralled children for decades?

Grandmothers, happy narrators

never tiring of replicating them.

.

The magic needs resurrection

from its nemesis, the Internet,

The wizard of all distractions.

.

*Pandal — A fabricated structure in India housing stalls,events or festivals

*pucchka, ghugni, alur chops — Savoury snacks

Mrs. Navneet K Maun was born in West Bengal. Did her initial schooling from Oak Grove School, Jharipani, Mussoorie. She furthered her education from Regional College of Education, Bhubaneshwar. She did her Graduation and BEd from there. She did her Masters in English Literature from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. She has vast experience in teaching and has retired as a Senior Teacher from a Public School in Delhi. Her hobbies include reading, travelling, writing and cooking.

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