Immersion dates have also been fixed by the government either today or Sunday
Goddess Durga has decided to extend her holiday. Two calendars differ on the date of her departure. One says today, another tomorrow. Kolkata is celebrating both. Like all Bengalis who love their holidays, the Goddess has also apparently decided, why not.
So, some pandals in the city, bade farewell to the goddess today with the traditional "sindur khela" where women smeared Durga's forehead with vermilion and then each other's. Not only contrary almanacs, immersion dates have also been fixed by the government -- either today or Sunday, giving Bengalis and the Goddess a chance to extend their holidays.
Anindita, all red in the face after "sindur khela" at Salt Lake's BF block, said: "The goddess has made us happy. We are sad she is leaving. She has to go today or tomorrow but we will wait for her to return next year."
At Salt Lake's AH block, puja organiser Raja Banik said, "There are two almanacs we follow in Bengal. For our puja, today is Nabami. Dasami is two days later. We are not letting the Mother go today."
The smaller idols are being immersed today. The big ones say the almanacs snipped the usual four-day festival to three-day this time.
"Goddess Durga is like a good Bengali daughter. She doesn't want to leave her parents' home and go back to where she belongs," said Shompa Dutta Ray.
Madhumita Bhattacharya summed it up, saying, "Bengalis love their holidays and Goddess Durga is definitely a Bengali."
The goddess will leave today or tomorrow, but for whenever she does, Shubho Bijoya. And, as the most popular solgan on Dasami, "asche bochor abar hobay" or the goddess will return again next year.