#debsaristories #durgapujo Sarhad paar ke bhi pyar mil sakta hai. Last month I started conversation to invite my neighborhood girl gang (all non-bengalis except two) for a bong style bijoya get together, that was for today. When I mentioned red white theme, there was unbound excitement. Some even started Amazon shopping for sarees. Made me think! What's bong dressing without big bindi and shakhapola? Well of course I wouldn't get it here in USA , that's when my dearest friend Minsha Mishti Ahmed helped me with 40 pairs of shakha pola, bindi packets and even rose flowers for all ! So much hungama! But honestly every bit of effort was worth it, my neighbor who is from Pakistan (shared her pic) enjoyed the saree drape, the bindi and sindoor and was so happy being part of the occasion. Today coincidentally is Lakshmi puja for many observing bengalis. What's more wonderful than forty sakshath Lakshmis walking and blessing you with their presence. Treated the girls to some bengali delicacies, loochi, mangsho, cholar daal, aloo phoolkopir tarkari, pyaji, paneer, pulao and patali gurer payesh. I am draped in an Assam silk saree teamed with a brocade blouse Minsha, love you re. This was impossible without you. In a world where friends and family hesitate to help, you have helped me without thinking twice. Big shoutout to #sareespeak friendships!