One of the fondest memories from my childhood involves Durga puja in Bilaspur. The city almost transforms into another world. 'Metaverse' is the closest which comes to mind if I have to describe it using the latest vocabulary. As we go into last 3-4 days of Navratri and the sun sets, the city starts getting ready. People gather around pandals navigating traffic and chaos in the narrow lanes, sound of songs celebrating the goddess and smell of dhoop overpower all the cacophony.
I am at a stage where I have spent more than half my life outside my hometown Bilaspur, this realization itself brings a lot of mixed emotions. I left this place to pursue higher education and career aspirations and since then I am a confused soul who doesn't know where he belongs. Every time I come, I invariably try to find memories which take me back to younger days and festivals tend to be the easiest memories you can recollect.
I do come for every Diwali except for few due to unavoidable reasons. But Diwali is a festival which I associate more with Home and Family, not necessarily with the city. The lights, decoration, markets buzzing with people do add an argument but still Diwali is a more personal and intimate festival for me. Whereas Durga puja is all about outside environment, the city is an integral part of it.
I was in Bilaspur for Durga puja after nearly 2 decades. I was here last year but 2 years of covid had sadly taken everything out of festivities and the celebrations were lukewarm. This time, it looked as if the flavor and fervor is truly back and it was time to go out and experience it. So I did !!
And it brought so much of nostalgia. Good old times when we used to do a city tour in a rikshaw, eyes wide open, filled with excitement and having a great time looking at all the 'grandeur'. I put grandeur in quotes because becoming older and wiser, seeing a lot more places and things has put things in perspective. I admit the charm is not the same but still, hopping around durga pandals took me back to those younger days which in itself is something to be thrilled about.
So all my younger friends, if you are having a good time, be there and cherish it. As the Japanese say "Itchi-go-itchi-e"
