~ Ya devi sarbabhuteshshu, sakti rupena sanksthita ..

Namasteshwai Namasteshwai Namasteshwai namo namaha~

Took a bath, plucked wild Jasmine (I think it is Jasmine) from the backyard, lit Diya and incense and put on Mahalaya on Youtube. Little things in life go a great length in making you happy. Called Ma, Dad and had a little chat while sipping on a huge cup of Lopchu cha. They were having cha too, after listening to Mahalaya. Felt a connection there and an indescribable yearning to be with them.

As wee kids, dad woke us up at 4am to listen to it. Those cold wintry mornings saw dad in his shawl over his ears and head, swaying to Mahalaya. I didn't understand much, but was generally excited that the entire household was awake that early to listen to music!  I remember listening to it over the radio. (There were times I hated waking up to it too....in my teens I suppose). But I did love watching Hemamalini perform to Mahisasura Mardini on Doordarshan.

I wonder what kind of memories Mishmash will have of me. Will she have quaint memories like I do of my parents on days like today? Or are all memories quaint and evoke a fuzzy gooey feeling inside you? 

For now, I have to be content and spirited about the forthcoming 'weekend Pujo'. Its ok that I won't accompany Ma to Ameerpet to get last minute matching falls and saree blouse pieces. Neither will I wrack my head thinking which 'jama' to wear on which day of the pujo. It is also okay that I will not be at the Bangalee Samitee  Pandal, waiting for Dad to get me my Chicken-egg roll. Its ok. Its ok.

But yes, its time for Dhaak. And its time for the festivities to begin. Make the most of these nine days in whatever special way you can. I will.

Leaving you all with an absolutely lovely video- Dhaak