If the sight of 26 people gorging on Indian and Chinese dishes with manic delight at Bawarchi last Thursday noon wasn't intimidating enough Bar-B-Q got a taste of how it is like when 13 of 'us' congregate for a feast. It was only half the number but, the damage was close to the double.

From Chicken Malai Kebabs and Fish Peshawari to Mutton Korma and Rogan Josh, we ran through the entire menu with the ease of practiced assassins. And the victim at the receiving end of such a gastronomic blitzkrieg could only salvage a meek smile that often is a sign of acceptance of higher powers and savage appetites. If we thought dessert would bring him some cheer, well, it failed. Not because the ice-creams didn't melt in our mouths but it put him back by another 400 rupees, taking the count past the 6000 rupees mark- A formidable record and a menacing precedent.


All said and done, last afternoon we have set a milestone which has triggered Pujo for us all and on the other hand established itself as the benchmark we would all aspire to reach and be happy to fail.

Today is Soshti, from when the Pujo gets into second gear and one starts wondering what a field day burglars could have considering the entire population comes out on the streets.

As has been the norm with me, Soshti is the most hectic of all pujo-days. Two shifts with two different group of friends spanning the entire day (and night), covering almost all of South Kolkata and about 6-7 kilometers on foot.
No wonder I don't remember Saptami mornings.


Here's hoping 'Clear Bright Skies' for the coming four days.


Happy Pujas.
Sobaar pujo bhaalo kaatuk.

Gotto rush now...........