Growing up in a joint family was fun, being the youngest in the generation was tough but being the only girl in the group, was the worst. I was always assigned the most menial tasks like holding the 'latai' (thread spinner) when kites were flown, bringing water when ordered to while others played carrom and so on. Being teased was a constant factor. But, I guess, I had to abide and tolerate as I wanted to be a part of the gang. There were also a few positives though. I was allowed to venture out and play holi with the local kids as I had the 'dadas' to look after me. During Durga Pujo I was allowed to go and sit in the local pandal for the same reason.
Life was much simpler for us than what the kids of today deal with. Peer pressure was unheard of. Studies were not a burden but a learning process. As television was unheard of in the early seventies, going to a movie after annual exams was a special treat! My first movie in a theatre was 'Goopy Gayen Bagha Bayen' . Going for picnics in the Maidan or Zoo in winters was a must. Quite different from the corporate picnics that todays children are used to. 'Luchi' and 'aloodum' with oranges and cakes baked at home made those yearly picnics unforgettable!
Durga Pujo was the best time of the year. Four days of freedom, pocket money and no studies! It was the only time of the year when we were given pocket money of our own. Elders too occupied with their 'addas' to keep any tab on us. Jethimas and kakimas hovering in the kitchen trying out new pujo special recipies. No one cared what we did or what we ate outside. The 'aacharwala', who was a strict no-no rest of the year, was a favourite destination those four days. Dashami evening was the worst, as it meant the end to all those romping and as we bade farewell to Maa Durga with tear filled eyes we prayed "Come soon next year Maa".
As the years passed, emotions faded. Its easier to watch a movie at home, picnics need not be organised as there are hired people to do so, playing holi is no more environment friendly. But I guess, Durga Pujo still occupies some space in our hearts, though Dashami does not mean tears any more.
The past was simple but the present is easier. I personally never felt the need to go back to the past, but, sometimes wish if the past could come forward and mingle with the present. Impossible......I guess.
Life was much simpler for us than what the kids of today deal with. Peer pressure was unheard of. Studies were not a burden but a learning process. As television was unheard of in the early seventies, going to a movie after annual exams was a special treat! My first movie in a theatre was 'Goopy Gayen Bagha Bayen' . Going for picnics in the Maidan or Zoo in winters was a must. Quite different from the corporate picnics that todays children are used to. 'Luchi' and 'aloodum' with oranges and cakes baked at home made those yearly picnics unforgettable!
Durga Pujo was the best time of the year. Four days of freedom, pocket money and no studies! It was the only time of the year when we were given pocket money of our own. Elders too occupied with their 'addas' to keep any tab on us. Jethimas and kakimas hovering in the kitchen trying out new pujo special recipies. No one cared what we did or what we ate outside. The 'aacharwala', who was a strict no-no rest of the year, was a favourite destination those four days. Dashami evening was the worst, as it meant the end to all those romping and as we bade farewell to Maa Durga with tear filled eyes we prayed "Come soon next year Maa".
As the years passed, emotions faded. Its easier to watch a movie at home, picnics need not be organised as there are hired people to do so, playing holi is no more environment friendly. But I guess, Durga Pujo still occupies some space in our hearts, though Dashami does not mean tears any more.
The past was simple but the present is easier. I personally never felt the need to go back to the past, but, sometimes wish if the past could come forward and mingle with the present. Impossible......I guess.
nice job done..happy blogging new blogger
ReplyDeletethanks sid.
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