Durga Comes Visiting
written by: Snigdha Agrawal
Once again, I rewind
to my younger self
bright-eyed, bushy-tailed,
convinced Ma Durga descended
only to bless us, her children
and not to preside over turf wars
between ‘para pandals’
trying to out-bling each other
in a showdown of Sholapith art
and spotlights.
In my childhood frock,
puff sleeves ballooning like ambition
one size too big (Ma snapped:
“Don’t fuss, you’ll grow into it!”)
I looked like a walking curtain rod,
But at least sincerity was stitched into the hem.
Ballerina shoes, also oversized
(“Snug ones give blisters!” She emphasised)
Had me limping across muddy fields,
How gloriously lame!
The air then smelled of ‘Kashphul’
Now it reeks of Clive Christian and Chanel
and burning ambition,
shameless display of wealth
A potpourri of pretensions
screaming louder
than the blowing of conch shells
at dawn’s first breath
Cut to the present…
Children wear logos
larger than their faces,
ballerina shoes are traded
for sneakers that cost a GDP.
Who cares if the world can’t eat
as long as one can post on Instagram
“Durga vibes from the pandal’s VIP lounge
Capturing celebs perform
‘Dhunuchi’ dance
These days, it’s all
Hashtags and sponsorships
and start-up founders
prostrating at the Goddess’s feet.
Ah, Ma Durga must be rolling Her eyes:
“Ten arms aren’t enough
to swat away this circus
even with the Trishul,
held firmly, in hand.”
para – neighbourhood
pandals – temporary structure constructed during festivities
sholapith – soft, white, spongy core of the shola plant or Indian cork
kashphul – a grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia (Kans grass)
dhunuchi – incense burner holder used for religious ceremonies
trishul – trident
- Durga Comes Visiting - October 2, 2025
- Whispers of Christmas - December 18, 2024
- Tickle The Funny Bone - March 5, 2024
