Durga Puja 2022: A mini guide to Nostalgia

 

Mahalaya has just passed, and the countdown for Bengali's biggest celebration of the year, Durga Puja, has already started.

Only it's much more than just a celebration; it's a gamut of intense emotions that transcends age, border, and boundaries. Remember the Tree of Souls in the movie Avatar that allowed all of us to unite as one? Well, that's something like what Durga Puja does — it ties together nearly every Bengali living on the Planet. During these 4-5 days, they experience a wave of euphoria that goes beyond customs, rituals, reasoning, and logic.

 

Now, one would wonder: Do Bengalis celebrate "pujo" (as Durga Puja is affectionately known) the same way across generations? Not. Every generation has a unique understanding of pujo and a unique method of celebrating it, which are influenced by the social, economic, and political context in which they were raised. But even afterward, certain things remain the same. Consider the "pujo pujo gondho," which a Bengali will always experience regardless of generation.

What exactly is a "Pujo Pujo Gondho"?

Although the phrase's literal meaning is roughly translated as "the aroma of Puja in the air," its true meaning is replete with images, memories, perceptions, and emotions connected to Durga Puja. It's interesting to note that, regardless of age, when you say these words to a Bengali, a similar montage appears in front of them. The enticing aroma of Shiuli flowers, the sight of "kaash phul" dancing in the autumn breeze, the cotton-like clouds floating in the autumn sky, the idols of Maa Durga and her children taking shape at Kumortuli, shopping for "notun jama" (new clothes), and the pulsating beats of the dhaak are just a few of the things that make autumn so beautiful.

Easy to Carry Durga Puja Outfits

It's time for Puja. Even though there is nothing more elegant than donning a saree during Durga puja, it can be difficult for some of us to drape and carry a saree. Therefore, we have created simple puja styles that you can wear and still look elegant.

White and Red Suit Set with Front Slit

This crimson and off-white front-slit kurta is the ideal alternative to the puja saree you would like to choose but are unable to drape. This outfit includes a lehenga bottom, making it even more appealing for the main event. You can pair this with a beautiful choker necklace and drop earrings to complete your puja look.

Try On A Sharara

A crimson sharara and a white kurta make for a fashionable outfit if you enjoy giving your traditional aesthetics a modern twist. In style, sharara bottoms have a playful appearance and are pretty comfortable. A gold ear cuff can improve your outfit's justice if paired together. 

A matching mask and an all-red Anarkali

The second item on our list is a festive, metallic pattern asymmetrical Anarkali in crimson. A matching red mask is included with this set, which saves you time and effort. You must go shopping immediately and pick a pair of jhumkas if you don't have time to find the ideal attire for the main puja day.

Wearing a red and white lehenga

If you want to dress up an ethnic diva in real life but don't want to spend a lot of money on a designer lehenga, use this option. A beautiful white top and a red lehenga and skirt with metallic design make up this ensemble. You won't find a more effortless yet eye-catching outfit than this one, which is lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Pick a floral outfit.

If glitter isn't really your style, but you still want to liven up your holiday outfit, this red floral kurta and contrast green slacks will add some flower power to it. It will give your clothing a fresh look and make it simpler for you to carry the festive style.

In essence, Durga Puja is a part of every Bengali's childhood and adulthood. Though the Bengalis' enthusiasm for Pujo has endured for ages, their celebration style has seen various alterations throughout time.

Internet superstars influence generation Z's gender-flexible attire choices for Durga Pujo. Their preferred attire consists primarily of graphic t-shirts, vibrant sunglasses, sporty casuals, and streetwear. However, modernized versions of traditional sarees and kurtas are also very popular.

Although there are differences, the spirit has not been lost.

Although concepts and traditions surrounding Durga Puja have changed over the generations as it transitioned from a traditional to a digital celebration, it would be absurd to disparage or ignore the new practices. One of the most positive recent innovations, for instance, has been the introduction of a number of mobile apps to support pandal hoppers and enable people to experience a safer Puja — all in keeping with the optimism and inclusivity that Durga Puja stands for. 

Pujo's cultural significance and what it signifies to every Bengali have mostly remained the same, despite the fact that exhibitionism may have replaced some of its traditional elements. Regardless of their generation, Bengalis exhibit excitement, emotions, feelings, and sentiments at this time of the year.