Fourteen for the Forefathers

On the eve of Diwali and Kali Pujo, Bengalis remember their ancestors by lighting 14 lamps, prodip in Bangla. It is also customary to have Chhoddo Shaak, 14 varieties of greens on your plate this day.

Since greens make a pocket in my throat, I settled only for the lights.

Traditionally clay lamps lit with oil or ghee are lit in the evening to remember the dead. I am challenged though, cannot remember the names of my ancestors beyond my Grandfather who is no more. I quizzed my husband and he too did not fare too well. I had to know, as I am part of his family too.

What do you do on the eve of Diwali?

I am joining the Diwali party @ The Key Bunch’s Diwali Dhamaka.

More Diwali-related photos from PreeOccupied are here.

Beyond Five Days of Durga Puja: Mahalaya Agamoni, Invoking the Mother Goddess

(Photographs by amateur photographer, guitarist and animation filmmaker Shubham Paul.)


(This post is part of the event at PreeOccupied, Beyond Five Days of Durga Puja.)

Lakshmi for Good Fortune

When I was given this Lakshmi idol (as a wedding gift), I was told, “Baadi’r Lokkhi ke Ma Lokkhi dichchi.”

Meaning (not quite literally) - giving away the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Lakshmi to the new bride.

That’s what M Mashi said handing me this heavy, carved-in-wood statue of Goddess Lakshmi.

Apparently, this form of art is the same as seen in temples of South India.

My Lokkhi sits in our living room by the windows…

We Bengalis worship Lokkhi and have a special day for Lokkhi Pujo right after Durga Pujo. I remember the Lokkhi Pujo day in my Jethima’s house. The highlight of the day would be narkel nadu (coconut laddus), and other homemade goodies and an evening of fun and get together for us young people. Usually Lokkhi Pujo would be a low-key family affair, unlike the glitz and glamour of Durga Pujo.

Incidentally, I also realized that I have two little owls in Italian stone sitting right by the feet of the Goddess. Hindu mythology has it that the Owl is the bahon / vahan (carrier) of the Goddess of Wealth.

There is a pronounced and very strong connection between mythology and art in India. And also between belief and prayers.

From me to you, I hope and pray Ma Lokkhi brings good fortune and success, all year round…