Durga Puja @2013- The Homecoming

Time and tide waits for none- a renowned phrase that my parents used to tell me when I was younger, which I now understand too well. The whole point of starting the post with this idiom is to emphasize upon the fact that its been months (5 months and 5 days to be exact!) since my last post and that in these few months, too many things have happened. To me, it seemed as if time passed like a lightning bolt!! Well, if I go on to update about what all things happened, it'll be way too long a post which is sort of unwanted over here considering I have too little time in hand. So, to tell in brief, I am living in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa, for the last two and a half months, after spending about 5 months in Mysore, the second largest city in Karnataka. Well, presently, I'm at home (Kolkata) for Durga Puja celebrations.

I noticed something different about the Pujas this time.To me, Durga Puja was THE most awaited event in the year (apart from my birthday of course!). But this year, something changed. Earlier, Durga Puja meant meeting up with friends, 5 days of  ultimate masti, khana-peena, pandal-hopping and a lot more. But now, it meant coming home, spending time with my family. This maybe because I have been living away from home for almost 8 months now. Every year, I used to make pandal-hopping plans way before with my friends, but this time I wanted to stay in home, eat home-made food(though that happened less!), chat with my parents and grandparents, catch up with my bro etc. Well, that doesn't mean I didn't go out. I did catch up with my old friends from school and college, friends who've shifted out of the city, and chatted for hours. This was a significant change from previous years. The whole essence and spirit of Durga Puja has changed in my viewpoint.

They say, change is a nature of life, but I don't know if this change is good or bad. All I know is, I dont regret this change. Today at night, I'm leaving the City of Joy, but I'll be back soon. So guys, enjoy the festive season and take care. Suvo Bijoya and Happy Dussehra to all...  :-)

A Month in Mysore...

I know its been a long time since my last post but to speak the truth, my life has been a whole lot busier for the past month. Yes, its been a month I'm staying at Mysore for work- my first job. Exactly a month ago I joined the company. Since that day, my life has been totally different in every respect. I'd say staying away from home and family and loved ones has its pros and cons though I'm still deciding which is more! For me the whole thing has been a learning process. I learnt taking responsibility of myself, time management and many other things that I never imagined I'd do. Most of all, I realized the importance of family and the love they have for me and I really miss them here,specially "ma ke hath ka khana"! I've learnt the importance of all those persons whom I've taken for granted all these years. I want to let all of them know that they all hold a special place in my heart and I miss them all. Ok, enough with the emotional part, let me come to the interesting part- the city Mysore.

Mysore is the second largest city of Karnataka after Bangalore. As far as the parts of the city I've seen I found it very planned and well-maintained.The main attraction here to visit is the Mysore Palace. Its situated at the heart of the city. It has been converted to a museum and its a place worth visiting. Though I've not been around Mysore much,I'd like to mention about the market here. It is spread over a big area and its very lively. Another thing I must mention is the sweet the city lends its name to -Mysore Pak. It tastes awesome,infact I'd recommend each and every person coming to Mysore to have a bite of this delicious sweet. Its worth a bite!! Well, there are also other  places to visit here like Chamundeshwari Temple, Vrindaban Gardens etc. and I hope to provide the details in my blog soon. So till then, take care all... :-)