Rainy blur

Our arrival was greeted with rain. Amid bright sun. There would surely have been a rainbow somewhere. Unexpected showers were the order of the day. Then there was a bit of misunderstanding where I did manage to lose my patience. Sometimes, the simple instructions ought to be followed!

The ride that followed back home was fascinating. Like wine, or even good coffee that awakens all the senses. The architecture of Calcutta was something I took for granted the time I grew up here. The remnants of it in the old parts of the city are now stained with moss and lichens. There are roots of trees growing along the walls, even bright yellow flowers sprouting from them. Windows with shutters, intricately carved railings, greens and blues that do not look odd, Victorian style arches that still remain, sometimes, even an angel on top blowing a bugle, or spreading her wings. For some reason, they did quench my eyes' thirst. The ceremony in even the smallest of things, that is what this city is about. The drama at every corner, the shouting, the music, all make for a heady, pregnant atmosphere. Glimpses into the open windows offer interesting bits too. Elaborately curled bedroom lamps, furniture, interesting colours... it's hard to name what it is it that seemed so fascinating. One could sit and observe a street corner for a while and one would see stories emerge. Perhaps of intrigue, or passion, the melancholy of day to day existence, perhaps even of something sinister or dark. But to an observer, there is much to see. I was inside the car and didn't take my camera out. It was raining. Had I been living in Calcutta, I might have ventured into a story or two. Perhaps. A lot of things are appreciated better from a distance.

The Durga Puja is a ceremony like no other. Everyone participates. All the people who work at home, ask for double the pay they are entitled to. Everything changes. Streets are lit up with a million lights. And when I saw all the preparations for the Pujas in the oldest parts of the city, once home to affluent landlords, businessmen and aristocrats, I couldn't help but think of the city as a courtesan way beyond her prime. And yet, who took great pain to dress herself up, waiting to be seen. Every bit of her that is old and weary with time is covered up with the new. This is Durga Puja after all.