Overdue post - Durga Puja

Way back in October, just as we were moving into the second apartment, I received an invite to join a group going to a part of old Dhaka, to visit a Hindu temple, as the festival of Durga Puja was going on.  Despite having an apartment full of boxes, I decided to go along anyway.

There was, as always at a Hindu temple, lots going on that I didn't understand.  We had a guide, who pushed us to the front of the melee to experience it, so it was very sweaty, up close and personal.  He did try to explain the story behind the Mother Durga, but it was a very complex story, and it was a bit like he was trying to retell the plot line of a long running soap opera with many many characters...to an audience who have never seen an episode.  A hot day, but a great one, getting to see another one of Dhaka's faces.

 

marigold blessing

milk blessing

the black kohl spot on her forehead is to divert the evil eye

all religious experiences...

are potential shopping experiences

 

there were A LOT of police at the event - but really good natured

catering on a LARGE scale

this gent was on the wall of the meeting room.  I couldn't keep my eyes off him

glad to see the idiot friend is a cross cultural phenomenon