#debsaristories Facebook asks me "what's in your mind" I say- hope, happiness and peace. "Hok shuru din guna", means "let the countdown begin" #durgapujo is here. Advantage USA? Pujo starts one weekend ahead and goes one week past! There are pros and cons to everything in life, this is a SUPER big pro for saree lovers in us!

 Me and Ma are all set with our pujo shaaj. Of course, as it always happens we keep changing minds and sarees till the last minute. A lot depends you see. .. it's very strategic planning. What others are wearing, what colors seem to be uncommon and which ones are common so we should avoid, the accessories the entire look! Phew such a tough job. 360 days of planning for the 5 day full day outing with Durga. We compliment strangers, we smile at known and unknown faces, we read minds and answer them without being asked, we enjoy eating bhog, serving bhog, catching up on chai and most importantly we love just being there, in the moment Are we not religious? Of course we are. Every moment the Durga in me is awake and aware and keeps reminding of the strength within me and power I bring to earth. My head held high I walk to thee, the Ma, for you gave the likes of me to bring lives to earth. Me and ma in our pujo shuru blouses. Ma in a grey benarasi jaal chiffon, and I am in red jamdani organza