Tales from the Island of Serendip 4 4

[Flex Mentallo]

Interlude

 

Update from Lucina - things are looking up!

 

 

Dear Michael,

Don't know how to begin. My fellowship has been discontinued since February. Now I have to attend one International Seminar at Jawaharlal Neheru University in New Delhi at the end of this month. My paper has been accepted and I have to go to present that paper. Only I can depend on you.

 

I will definitely take lots of pictures and I will request my guide to take a photograph of mine when I will present my work.

 

Liza is fine. She is doing computer course as well as continuing her study in graduation 1st year course. She is at home and her baby is growing too fast and getting sick too frequently. You are helping me from the beginning. I will ask whenever I will be in trouble or I need anything (promise). Please do not take too much stress because of me. I am fine believe me. Thank you again and again for being always beside me. Sorry I am interrupting within your working hours.

 

I am sending you the photograph of Liza's baby taken on the day of Eid.

 

Everybody miss you so much. We all are hoping for our meeting. You will come one day we hope.

Much much Love....

 

Lucina

 

 

Edited September 6, 2014 by Flex Mentallo

[Pat Calhoun]

wishing the best for you and family, Michael. your ongoing saga here is pure inspiration. thanks, Pat

[Flex Mentallo]

wishing the best for you and family, Michael. your ongoing saga here is pure inspiration. thanks, Pat

 

You're very kind.

[Flex Mentallo]

Durga Puja

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Matri rupena samsthita

Ya Devi sarva bhuteshu Shakti rupena samsthita

Ya Devi sarva bhutesu Shanti rupena samsthita

Namestasyai Namestasyai Namestasyai Namoh Namah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

In Autumn while Navratri is celebrated in Gujarat, 1500 miles eastward Durga Puja is celebrated in Calcutta and Bengal, Orissa and Nepal.

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

 

 

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Both originate in the celebration of the Goddess Durga's victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Durga - or Devi as she is also known, is the Great Mother similar to such cults in Persia (Anahita), Asia Minor and the Mediterranean.

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Her cult has been active in the Indian sub-continent in an unbroken tradition for as long as 5000 years.

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

More than likely, the origin of the tale would have been the assimilation of a localized tribal religion which worshiped a buffalo god, into a state religion symbolized in the form of Durga Mahisasuramardini, that is Durga the Destroyer.

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Hence the hapless buffalo god becomes a demon to justify the act.

 

 

 

 

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It has been said that Durga Puja in Calcutta has become the largest outdoor art festival on Earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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During Durga Puja life in Calcutta and elsewhere comes to a complete standstill.

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Temporary structures made of bamboo and cloth called pandals are erected as temporary homes for the goddess.

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Throughout the year, life sized clay statues of her slaying the buffalo demon are produced.

 

 

 

 

 

[Flex Mentallo]

Some pandals are simple, others elaborate works of art.

 

 

 

 

 

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The more elaborate may be inspired by themes that rely heavily on history, current affairs...

 

 

 

 

 

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....and sometimes pure imagination.