AARATRIKA MOSCOW DURGA PUJA CELEBRATIONS 1990-2007

aaratrika 2007 1 2 aaratrika 2007 From the editor…

My little friend who when quizzed by Aaratrika to defi ne In Moscow, we saw gostinitsya Rossiya fl attened while Durga puja few years ago had said it means happy times and happy Ritz-Carlton replaced the legendary Intourist in Tverskaya. Russia has minds. He has now grown up into a sensitive teenager. He goes a new prime minister and Moscow recently inaugurated Trubnaya, bowling, treats me to Moscow’s best shaurma in Fili Park and guides a metro station inside the Garden Ring designed in the elaborate me to the store with the best bargain in Gorbushka. Our Moscow styles of the fi fties. Nikita Mikhalkov’s 12 got selected by the Russian puja turns 18 this year! At 18 you can start questioning the pujo and Oscar committee for 2008. Andrey Konchalovsky celebrated his 70th all the commercialism attached to it. At 18 you also start appreciat- birthday with the release of Gloss or Glyanets and Pavel Lungin’s fi lm ing more annual events which bring bonhomie and camaraderie. Ostrov aka ‘The Island’ is truly awe-inspiring. Makes one feel not that far away from home. The gala city day celebration in the fi rst weekend of As days gets colder and we no longer run across the street September reminds us that puja is little more than a month away. in our shorts and fl ip-fl ops to grab a fresh loaf of bread or a water This year it has been a sheer pleasure for Aaratrika to work with its melon, we enter into the festive frame of mind – its puja around young readers who have most willingly contributed their paintings, the corner. While in Moscow we fervently hope for the snowfall to poems, thoughts and ideas making the children section bright and begin only after Dashami, in Kumartuli where idols are created the appealing. karigars pray for a rainless sky. The karigars, the pandal constructors, the electricians who form those amazing designs, the dhakis and the We want Aaratrika to be interesting, inspiring and ‘become a rickshawallahs who toil even during the festive days remain behind person’ to visit annually. Do you know the feeling when a stranger the panorama and sadly almost always remain unnoticed. holds the tight metro door for you, when your unknown neighbour’s Labrador licks your hand in the lift, you see a babushka sharing her Apparently probashi pujas are getting bigger and better. In small portion of kolbasa with a stray dog and a gaishnik excuses the US during the puja days, purohits with briefcases can be seen your narusheniye with an ohh-you-foreigners-smile? Aaratrika will be shuttling back and forth between cities to keep the pious NRIs happy if it succeeds in bringing along even an iota of such warmth. happy. Denim-clad celebrant in motorbike is a common sight in Kolkata. The desperado of the year from the socio-political angle is It will be Bijoya Dashami sooner than we want it, when the often refl ected in pobrecito asura. Remember the demon Goddess departs for her abode in the heavens leaving us with this resembling Greg Chappel last year? Zidane and even Bin Laden have typical feeling of emptiness and often unknown to anyone, a drop been in the asura visage before that! of tear rolls down our cheek as we mutter – ashe bochor abar hobe!

Do you know that this year Beijing has a puja gift for the We wish you a very happy puja, a happier City of Joy? A direct fl ight to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province is being launched soon. Tourists from Kolkata to China will world and environment! no longer need to travel via Delhi courtesy Eastern China Airlines. This also makes me believe that promoting India as a country of Debasmita Moulick Nair festivals can aid our tourism signifi cantly like it has for Pushkar, Kumbh and Mysore Dasara.

India recently celebrated its 60th Independence Day along with the fi rst woman president of our country. We witnessed Dada’s comeback and raised a toast to India’s victory in the fi nals of World Twenty20. Shimit Amin’s Chak De India and Mira Nair’s Namesake entertained us. We also had to exit from Bangalore to enter Bengaluru, Mysore to Mysuru et al.

aaratrika 2007 3 The Worship of Goddess Durga in Belur Monastery Its Beginning

to the West, the unconventional way of life at Belur Math which included disregard for caste rules and mix- ing with Western people. The celebration of Durga puja helped remove some misconceptions about the new monastic institution. Another reason was Swamiji wanted to institutional- ize respect for Divinity of motherhood and sanctity of Swami Jyotirupananda womanhood. Swamiji saw that one of the main reasons for the advancement pf Western people was the eleva- ituals are not meant for Sannyasis as they are tion of women in the West, and one of the main reasons beyond that state. But such event occurred in for backwardness of India was the neglect of women RBelur Monastery near Kolkata in 1901 when in this country. Worship of Divine Mother, especially Swami Vivekananda purchased the plot of land over the Kumari puja (worship of the virgin) would create the West bank of Ganga. The land was still uneven. the awareness of the potential divinity of women and a Swami Brahmananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna was respectful attitude towards them. the in-charge of the monastery. Just 4/5 days before A third reason was supernatural. The visions of Durga puja period which was from 18th October to the two Swamis as stated earlier. The fi rst Durga puja 22nd October 1901 Swami Brahmananda saw a vision at Belur Math was conducted in a huge pandal (deco- that Mother Durga was coming from Dakshineswar rated shed) on the open ground to the north of the old side across the Ganga and entering the plot stopped shrine. Sitting under the Bilva tree which now stands near the Bilva tree of the monastery. Just then Swami (not the same tree) in front of his temple Swamiji sang Vivekananda came by boat from Kolkata and told Agamani songs welcoming the Divine Mother. Swami Brahmananda – “ This time make all arrange- The householder disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and ments for Durga puja by bringing the Pratima (image) orthodox Brahmins of nearby area had been specially to the Math.” But at that short time it needed to be invited, and thousands of people irrespective of dis- seen whether a Pratima was available. Then Swami tinction of caste or religion, attended the three day Vivekananda told him of the vision that he had. He had festival. The worship of the Goddess was performed in seen that Durga puja being celebrated at the Math strict accordance with scriptural injunctions. The sacri- and Mother being worshipped in a Pratima. The news fi ce of animals was dropped at the Holy Mother’s wish. of these visions caused a great sensation at the Math. When Swamiji decided to celebrate Durga puja Luckily, one Pratima was available, since the customer at Belur Math, one of the fi rst things he did was to seek who had placed an order for it had not come to collect approval of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. Since San- it on the day arranged. Swami Vivekananda with Swami nyasis cannot undertake this kind of ritualistic worship, Premananda, his brother disciple went to Kolkata to ask Swamiji decreed that the puja should be done in the the Holy Mother Sarada Devi permission about certain name of Holy Mother. This became a tradition which observances connected with the puja. After getting her continues to this day. Swamiji looked upon Sri Sarada approval the Swami at once ordered the image to be Devi as the divine counterpart of Sri Ramakrishna, brought. The news that the puja was to be done in the born for the awakening of womankind in the modern image spread all over the city, and the householder dis- world. Holy Mother was present all these days from the ciples gladly joined with Sannyasis to make the celebra- invocatory worship on Sashti day (6th lunar day) to the tion a success. boundless joy and satisfaction to Swamiji and the other As a rule, Hindu Sannyasis do not conduct this disciples of Sri Ramakrishna as they considered her as kind of ritualistic worship. Why then did Swamiji start Living Durga (Jyanta Durga). the new tradition? There were a number of reasons behind it. One reason was to gain the acceptance of the local community for the new way of life that Swamiji and his monastic brothers were leading. The Hindu soci- ety in Kolkata had not fully accepted Sannyasis going 4 aaratrika 2007 Sri Sri Durga Mahapuja from 17th to 21st October 2007

Mahasashti 17th October Wednesday Puja starts at 18:00

Mahasaptami 18th October Thursday Puja starts at 9:20 Pushpanjali at 11:30 Bhog & Arati at 11:50 Evening Arati 18:00

Mahaastami 19th October Friday Puja starts at 9:20 Pushpanjali at 11:30 Bhog & Arati at 11:50 Evening Arati at 18:30 Sandhi puja at 22:00

Mahanavami 20th October Saturday Puja starts at 9:20 Pushpanjali at 11:30 Bhog & Arati at 11:50 Evening Arati at 18:30

Vijaya Dashami 21st October Sunday Puja from 10:00 to 11:00 Shindur Khela 11:00 to 12.00 Immersion 12:00 to 12:30 Shanti jal 12:30

Sri Sri Lakshmipuja 25th October Thursday Puja starts at 19:00

aaratrika 2007 5 October 2,2007

MESSAGE

I am happy to extend my warm congratulations to the members of the Indian community in Russia on the occasion of Durga Puja festivities in Moscow. This festival is a great occasion for members of the Indian community to get together in a spirit of friendship.

The Durga Puja Committee has been putting in a lot of hard work in organizing this festival for the last 17 years and their dedication is commendable. It is also heartening to note that many Russian nationals, including academics interested in West Bengal, as well as those interested in Indian cultural festivities, are actively participating in these celebrations.

I wish the festival all success.

(P.P. Shukla)

6 aaratrika 2007 and craftsmanship. Needless to mention the great food stalls as well. A replica of the Victoria Memorial in form of a Pandal was only a glimpse of the creativity. Inspite of being familiar with the Puja festival in India, it was a few years ago, (1995) that we got a chance to be in Kolkatta during Puja. This was some- thing was very diffi cult to pen down. The whole city looked like a bride dressed up for her wedding. The Pandals, Lighting, Fireworks were just super. Apart from visual pleasure, we also sensed a feel of happiness and warmth in the hearts of people. It felt as though this was a time when good takes over evil and diff er- ences and misunderstandings take a back seat.

The families we know in Kolkatta al- ways send us overwhelming gifts and good wishes. However, gifts are only a part of it. This is also a time when we should do good for other people. The underprivileged people, who are unable to enjoy this moment, orphans, who have no one to go to. Not just in terms of Financial help but just do things like lending a helping hand to people or even just praying for the peace of the world. We both have always tried to help such people by giving them money or by giving them clothes.

The Puja is one thing that has not diluted even with changing times. We hope and pray that even Indian Classical Music never dilutes and the traditions and cultures of this historic land stay for- ever and ever. We both dream that the whole of India celebrates such festivals Puja in Retrospect with more joy and togetherness as this feeling of love and brotherhood is disap- pearing from our country. We hope that there are more festivals of this kind all through the year.

ver since our childhood, this time Russia holds a very special place in of the year has been always very our hearts. We have been very fortunate Especial. Due to our close bond- to have interacted with artists like Igor ing with Kolkatta and our closest family Frolov, Victoria Mullova and Giovani friends also being from the city of joy, Mikhailov. The mutual love between In- made the Puja period really memorable. dia and Russia has always been beauti- As we practice the religion of love and ful and we hope and pray that this rela- humanity in our house, not only the Puja tionship grows and blossoms more and celebrations, but all festivals and rituals more in the years to come. are a part and parcel of our family. Be it Diwali, Id or Christmas, everything is cel- Warmest puja wishes from ebrated. Our mother is from the Assam Ustad Amjad Ali Khan to all and our father is from the North of India. the readers of Aaratrika. Therefore we got a very balanced mix of both the cultures. We remember as chil- Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan in an dren we would go to the Puja Pandals interview with Debasmita Moulick Nair and be fascinated by the amazing works on 30th September 2007

aaratrika 2007 7 What makes From those who are going to school…

Yash Dasgupta, Play school Obviously when people act funny!

Aishwarya Deengar, Class VI Jokes make me laugh. My favourite one is: Two morons meet by a roadside. The fi rst one carries a bag of hens. The second moron asks “If I tell you the number of hens in your bag, will you give them to me?” The fi rst moron says “If you tell me the number of hens I have in my bag, I will give you both of them. The second moron replies ok! Five!

Uditangshu Aurangabadkar, Class III Seeing someone slipping on a banana peel! A jumping mad monkey is also funny…hehe!

Vyoma Raval, Class V I think jokers are funny. I was once in a circus and there were these two funny jokers each holding a monkey. One monkey climbed up the stick and the other monkey went after him and took off his pants! So funny! The pantless money then jumped on the other one.

Swati Dash, Class V Munnabhai MBBS makes me laugh. Remember the angry professor laughing? He was angry & laughing!

Rohan Singh Jamwal, Class X Irony and wit. Most of the jokes children of my age make are Siddhart Mishra, Class XI usually on judging people. The laughter of others at my feigned ineptitude makes me laugh, though While playing video games we laugh at a glitch. The other day, I keep it to myself. Life is actually we were playing a video game where the enemy got kicked full of humour. Though growing in the face at a 90’ angle. The enemy, instead of fl ying back- up makes most people uptight and wards, goes vertically up, about 2 meters. This is an example of self-conscious about being silly. Kids a glitch and poor digital graphics! know how to laugh, how to be hap- py and giggle and off er an excellent The tone in which a situation is related. Once Richik my class- example. Random acts and those mate, in a very quiet voice told us that there was a child who which seem totally out of character fell down the stairs and broke his neck. The thing that we give me a side splitter. found funny was how calm and contained Richik seemed even “You don’t stop laughing because though he was talking about someone who nearly kicked the you get old ...you get old because bucket! you stop laughing” 8 aaratrika 2007 What makes you laugh Sanchari No comments...

Aanisha From those who no longer go to school…

Mitali Sarkar, librarian I just cannot control laughter Dev when I see others laughing, it’s contagious you know!

Sudip Majumdar, bon vivant - Eating muri-ghonto or fi sh head preparation with fork and knife - Stressed parents reducing eating and talking as their children’s examination approaches - When one forgets own root and apes others like trying to eat phoren food even if they dont like it! Anybody wants to join me for panta-bhat and muri-narkol?

Joy Dasgupta, humorist -Stupid questions - Population of India - Trying a shortcut in traffi c jam and spending extra 30 mins By the way, did you hear that Beer Contains Female Hormones?

Sudeshna Aurangabadkar, educator -Matrimonial columns -Writings on autos and trucks in India… “Dekchis aar jolchis Luchir moto fulchis”

Rati Singh, student RUDN As for me, looking at babies and animals makes me smile. And when they are acting it makes me laugh, because they are so funny and cute. That’s why I like going to the zoo and circus. Also some funny photos, comedy fi lms can make me laugh. Laughter makes your life longer! So, smile and laugh more often it will cheer you up. aaratrika 2007 9 A Neelkanth in the Himalayas

Dinesh Chakraborty

100% Bangali with obvious luchi - kosha mansho as his favourite though loves to experiment with new recipes cooking being his passion. He is also a classically trained singer, loves opera & ani- mals and has a flare for traveling and talking.

“Badrinath, you heard me correct”, I was having a feeling of relief. pastures, river beds underneath my ma said wiping her hands with a The Devi stotras chanted in the iron bridge lined with tufts of piece of cloth. a deep voice of Birendra Krishna kash-phool in the superfast Upasana Bhadra woke up the Bengalis all Express. The rigorous melodic drum “Wow!” I thought, placing the over, mesmerizing them and induc- beats and the smell of Shiuli flower empty bowl of jhaal-muri over the ing a festive feeling in the wee still lingered over my consciousness. tabletop and preparing myself for hours of Mahalaya morning. The Haridwar! The journey begins now. the skinhead tutor with stern look tickets for our trip arrived on the From the foothills of the Himala- who spends the entire evening to same day. yas, where the Holy Ganges kissed pave my grand entry to the world of the earth, we move along the magical numbers. We called it ‘Math’. It wasn’t the first time I was busy streets dodging the herds of It wasn’t that I was too fond of the visiting the Himalayas but the idea ‘Holy’ cows squatting on roads and subject but high scores would be a was quite thrilling. In fact, the stun- chewing the cuds innocently throw- ticket to buy me an expensive gift. ning close-up view of snow-capped ing the traffic out of gear. That kept the interest burning. mountainous terrain has a magical- Journey through Indian main- mystic influence on me which I have land is never an easy task and the It’s already been September and never gotten away with. My heart Himalayas is strenuous indeed. After Kolkatans had flocked to the mar- waited in eager anticipation … an overnight pulsating train jour- kets like busy-bees indulging in last ney we took a bus ride to Chamoli, minute shopping. The secret code At last the long awaited ‘Sasthi’ Garhwal’s capital city before head- ‘discount’ written over anywhere get arrived heralded by loud rhythmic ing to JoshiMath. Thankfully, the the lily-livered Bengali baboo-bibi drum beats (Dhaak) that filled the green matchbox-sized unsophisti- to brave the deluge of muck, crowd azure sky with fleecy white clouds cated government vehicle was not and splashing rain. I already had a and spirited enthusiasm. Morn- as nauseating or miserable as it is mental list prepared after having ing was a busy day as ma spends alleged to be. The somberly colour- carefully reviewed the numbers and preparing luchi and alur-dom while fully painted saffron claden sadhus types of gizmos my friends already baba finished the last minute and a group of merry-making had. chores. My heart was filled with an Gujrati co-passengers made the unknown but pleasing anticipation. journey an interesting one. Phew! The mighty Himalayan Next 30 hours, we crossed 1536 JoshiMath is the historical seat retreat is nonetheless a Glücksfall. kilometers through changing to Sankaracharyas, the seers and

10 aaratrika 2007 claimed guardians to Sanatan autumn weather in the valley was in silence recalling the epical Dharma and ancient Vedic practices. nowhere close to the warm sunny journey of the Pandavas while on Located at a height of about 6,000 Kolkata. But, the difference was their journey to Heaven. It was only ft, was one of the four great ‘mutt’ or more exciting to explore…The Yudhishtira who is claimed to have monasteries, the heart of decorative interior of the temple completed the journey, I am not religiosity even today. My overtly enthroned the invaluable puranic Him. (Phew!!!) I returned home. spiritual parents made good use of idol of Lord Vishnu in the sanctum A sudden surge of emotion en- the time, while I ventured through sanctorum ,where the devotes gulfed me years back now when the streets watching the young from all over came to worship; the I recall. Standing aloft the sturdy vicars lined with thick deodar silent serene made one realize the Himalayan peak to whom ‘Durga’ forests enroute. presence of spirituality within. The was the daughter. Some thousands “Badrinath!” the word struck me as charming simple locals greeted the miles away, a spirit of euphoria sets the conductor made a lousy tired travelers with broad smile and the streets of Kolkata in gleeful announcement and we tucked into invited them over for a cup of welcoming of their daughter-like the campy green matchbox that slid smoking tea and fried pakodas in Durga for a ceremonious home- through the meandering mountain- their small shops. A touch of sim- coming. The energy and strength ous path overlooking the limestone plicity and genuineness character- of the Goddess inherited from the mountains, laid barren and ized the innocent Garhwalis. mighty Himalayas and an enigmatic prostrated. On the other side, a The rugged short but steep peaks Kolkata lies unfolded in the reminis- deep gorge opened up through with pine trees and resplendent cent mind of a young traveler. The which the Heavenly Mandakini sunrays on one side overlooking nostalgia remains untouched. ushered down thousands of miles to the breathtakingly gorgeous below. Landslides are frequent from and unimaginable snowy peaks of “Aschey bochor abaar hobey”.... the loose-boulder limestone Neelkanth (21,640 ft), adding charm [I shall see it again, the next year], I uprising and accidents are regular. to the splendid settings. The peak thought to myself.. Either way, life was at stake! owes its name from the bluish haze Nature has been generous in that transcends over it like a moonlit Neelkanth§- Indian roller (bird) endowing the Himalayan terrain crescent when the morning rays of - It is ceremoniously released during with all the treasures it had in the rising sun sets the white peak the Visarjan on Dashami to signify its possession. The breathtaking on a golden blaze. Just above the Durga’s return to Kailash after the natural beauty and the resplendent base of the mountain was the shrine Pujas. silvery springlets of Mandakini and of ‘Charan-paduka’, where the foot Alakananda rivers are worthy to prints of Lord Vishnu got imprinted die for. Either way, life is always at on a rock. Historical anecdotes refer stake...!! Pine forests, the prairies to the imprint as the mark of of colourful flowers carpeting the Vishnu while he was battling against valleys in between, the songs of Kavachasur. unknown birds hiding under the A serene divinity lies outstretched foliage, the humming bees and the across as we bathed the autumnal cool wind and the fragrance of the sun underneath. wild mountain flowers washes away Under the influence of spiritual our selfish attachments and give us composure we decided to a short a sense of serenity .Perhaps that was trip to Managaon, the last border- the reason the ancient philosophers ing Tibetan village in India line, the and sages of India had chosen the following day. Enroute was the holy reclusion of the Mighty Himalayas cave where the revered Vyasdev is for their search of the eternal truth. said to have composed the Mahabharata as Lord Ganesha Forty five more minutes passed penned it. We crossed by the Holy when we reached Badrinath. The riverlet of Saraswati and drank till majestic and colorful temple block the soul quenched and proceeded situated on the bank of the towards Bhim Pole on a short undulating Alakananda, guarded on excursion towards Vasudhara, a both sides by the snow-capped beautiful mountain waterfall. As we pyramidal Nar (19,210 ft) and moved through the path, a group Narayan (19,750 ft) cliff heads. of trekkers passed us with Brahma- A refreshing bath in the hot spring, kamal in their hands back on their amidst a pleasant but chilled way from Satopanth. I stood there

aaratrika 2007 11 Nicolas Tauvy (Jojo); 6 eme A, Lycee Francaise de Moscou

Jojo regularly plays hockey & tennis, enjoys staying in hotels and loves mach-bhaat/fi sh & rice which is obvious from his artwork.

Alisha R. Behera Class I

12 aaratrika 2007 Boredom� A false feeling, Of having nothing to do, Makes us look at the ceiling, And our helplessness comes true.

Fact of life, Is our lethargy, Till summer we have to strive, But we lost the energy. Anushka Dhar, Class III We miss things, Which we never would have known, Revolt for things, That we don’t deserve to own. Did you ever see this Nothing turns us on, We refuse to think, Did you ever see the fl owers dance But the time flows on, Every time we wink. Or hear winds making music in the trees And see the sun smile and wave Concentration is flickering, He passionately We appear to be lost, loves comedies, This world has something to say But we are still not noticing, collects jokes and The actual cost. enjoys watching people. He is a Do not just sit and be bored connoisseur with Same routine everyday, skepticism for fu- You should look out Same roles that we took, sion khana and has Degradation on its way, a strong liking for And understand what you see But we are too tired to look. the regular home cooked dal-bhaat- It is a beautiful world torkari-mansher jhol. Nothing appeals to us, He however And you have one life only. Even to whom we’re speaking, welcomes juicy Apathy feeds into us, burgers with crisp And makes us feel like sleeping. french fries occa- sionally. His hobby – cell phones! No one to entertain us, We are bored with ones present, There are people, who always blame us, And make us feel unpleasant.

I penned this poem, After a lot of exploring, The reality so solemn, And far too boring.

Only one thing can help, For boredom fighting, We have to find for ourselves, Something exciting! Richik Sengupta, Class X

aaratrika 2007 13 AYSHA SHAKIL, Class I

NEHA SHAKIL, Сlass III

14 aaratrika 2007 AYSHA SHAKIL, Class I

NEHA SHAKIL, Сlass III

aaratrika 2007 15 Photoediting by Satyarth Mishra, Class VIII

He mostly uses Adobe photoshop C S3 and Sony Vegas 7.0. Satyarth loves Matthew Reilly’s thrillers. His preferred cuisine is Chinese and the megamall is his favourite hangout ANDREI GARZON DASGUPTA Class IV in the city. 16 aaratrika 2007 Loves arithmetic and is a regular participant of Moscow mathematical contests. He adores chocolates and blinis dipped in condensed milk. He paints and plays fl ute. Recently he has begun learning to play the synthesizer.

Andrei Garson Dasgupta, Class IV

aaratrika 2007 17 After spending her childhood in Lucknow her love for biriyani and kebas are obvious. Her favourite movies are ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. She adores Mr. Bean and loves to sketch portraits. Aishanya likes living in Moscow.

Aishanya Deengar, Class VIII

18 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 19 Sumana Ganguly

Sumana Ganguly - 4th year medical student from MMA. She misses Kolkata, loves food, adda and sports. She enjoys dancing and actively participates in various University Cultural events. Sumana takes keen interest in old Bengali movies and songs.

20 aaratrika 2007 Sur-Prize! Innocent pen, innocent ink [and Muse] On an innocent page scribbles abuse “Monkey, stupid, queer and dud, Donkey, silly, diffuse, absurd,” Again, writes the pen with equal care Seemly, sweet words proper and fair “Soft, precious, sober, wise Sweetie, cutie”, goodness surprise! Words concealed within the mind On paper do their expression find Under twist and turn of alphabet’s bulk Some cheer, the others sulk Regular sequence of same old ink Makes some laugh, takes others on tears’ brink Scripts do not strike, neither confine nor yell Why then do men laugh or cry, just tell? Black and white patterns, what magic do they know? I rack my brains, but really am unable to follow!

Sukumar Ray’s poem translated from the Bengali by Zinia Mitra Courtesy www.parabaas.com

aaratrika 2007 21 22 aaratrika 2007 Barnali Majumdar

She is an excellent cook. Her luchi-alurdom, kosha mangsho and narkeler naru are legendary in Moscow. Her passion includes music and traveling. Barnali has mastered the art of beauty massage and hair care.

aaratrika 2007 23 Sushmita Bagchee

Sushmita Bagchee contributes regularly to several Delhi based literary journals. Her poem has also found a place in a poetry anthology featuring selected poets of Delhi. She grew up in Calcutta. An ardent lover of music, Sushmita is a trained classical musician, plays sitar and sings Rabindra Sangeet. Besides writing, she is pas- sionate about traveling. Some of her experiences have been penned down as travelogues which include Russia. Her hob- bies are painting and cook- ing. She enjoys most forms of Indian as well as international cuisine.

24 aaratrika 2007 Krishna Roy Roy who has been living in Moscow for very long has been a regular contributor to Aaratrika. Her passions include reading and writing. While working with the Embassy of India School, she was extreme- ly popular with the children. The parents always knew that their angels are in caring and effi cient hands of Krishnadi.

Photography by Darpan Mondal

aaratrika 2007 25 26 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 27 …it’s Pooja time in Banaras

Dr. Umesh K. Singh is a senior lecturer in Kanpur University. He is a sociologist and takes keen interest in hidden aspects of human behaviour and works in areas of aging and dying. An avid reader and lover of transcendental music and has a passion for photography. Dr. Umesh K. Singh

best thing about a first glance a Banarasi may seem identity. A fusion of cows, beggars, the Indian culture to be wild, eccentric, untraditional devotees, Internet cafes, firangs, THEis that it offers and unaccountable. However they cow dung, religious texts, sadhus, variety that spice up the life. Banaras believe in a philosophy of pleasure and stray dogs blends together (officially known as Varanasi) is one moulded to the truth of social life harmoniously. such place that reflects the spiritual- that gives them a sense of freedom Life and culture in Banaras has ity of Indian culture and diversities and contentment. Swaying lazily developed all along the banks of of the country. For devout Hindus, around the ghats, temples, and the holy river Ganga. The crescent Banaras is Kashi – the city of light. other older parts of Banaras, this shaped Ganga looks beautiful and Being the oldest living city in the older attitude still seems to prevail. dramatic, and so does the riverfront. world and because of its antiquity Even the breeze from the Ganga The Ghats at the riverfront have and religious meanings attached to slows down as it descends upon the their own story and their own it, life in Banaras is multi-facet one holy city and its wake bequeaths a architecture. Picturesqueness of and there are numous these Ghats is aspects of the city breathtaking. The very that can be spoken of. heterogeneousness All religious roads in of buildings, temples India lead to Varanasi. and trees make the Hidus, Buddhists, Jains canvass complete and have throughout the filled with indescrib- centuries been visiting able charm of colour it, to offer worship or in forms of people in search of learning. devoutly taking holy Varanasi’s prominence dip in the river, magical as a religious city is melody of bells unrivalled in India. coming out of temples Besides being a pigrim and Pandas centre, it is also a squating under the centre of learning, fine leafy umbrellas arts, music, crafts and culinary styles calm over its residents. A Banarasi officiating rituals. People access which have perhaps no comparison is always in the mood of Masti, and the Ghat and the river through else where. Varanasi offers a kind of so are the bulls in the city. Both of lanes, called as galis, which is one mystical ambience, an amalgam of them seem to walk alike with care- of the intriguing aspects of the city. past and present and mix of myth less unhurried steps, unbothered of The web of lanes and sub-lanes and reality that is hard to forget. anything or anyone. running in almost parallel layers Varanasi is also known world over Though the city suffers from the across the city make Banaras more for certain special items. These are chaos and ills of a mismanaged and distinct by making its antiquity Banarasi sarees, Banarasi paan and unplanned urban area, one can still apparent. Not only these winding Banarasi sweets. In addition, the feel its vibrations and the sacred lanes change their mood and aura style of leaving of Banarasi is so essence that keeps it lively and along with the time of day but sight distinctive as to put him in a class charming. Walking around main and smell of one lane vary from the apart. Ghat area, the richness of this vari- other. The lanes have a lively Banarasis, by nature, are known ety is presented in its fullest. There festive feel and brisk business takes to be relaxed and laid back, dwell- is a whole universe here, living in place in lanes narrow as these be. ing complacently and joyfully. At a bubble that thrives in its unique Away from the mundane chaos 28 aaratrika 2007 of day to day life, there are lots to a large number of audience. Two relish and celebrate – in the variety most significant events of Ram of foods and cuisines available in Lila are Nakkataiya (when Laxman these. One can start the morning cuts the nose of Ravana’s sister) with hot kachori-sabji along with and Bharat Milap (the union of the fresh and juicy jalebis. Many sweets four brothers after the victory over and chat shops can futher keep one Lanka). Among the Nakkataiyas in busy during the day. Evening can be Banaras, the most prominent one relished with Lassi or Thandai with is the Chetganj Nakkataiya which an intoxicating option of Bhang. has a mile long procession of Lags The life vibrating inside these (tableau based on tricky mechanical mystical lanes takes one back to the devices) and persons wearing highly yester years of past. Lanes, though decorated masks of Kali and Durga and Ramakrishna Mission) follow presenting sword fights. Bharat Vedic rituals whereas all other Milap staged in Nati Imli is a rare follow Baroyaari Pujo. The ritual occasion to visit. Thousands of starts on the evening of Mahasashti people gather to witness this grand with Kolabou Pujo followed by festival of Banaras. Such wondeful Nabopatrika Pujo and Devi Sthapan shows are definitely the pride of on Mahasaptami. Kumari Pujo is Banaras. done on the day of Mahaastami. On Pooja in Banaras is celebrated with Mahadashmi, Visarjan of Ma Durga strong fervor with Ma Durga’s idols is performed ritualistically which is in hundreds of Pandals. Though for followed by Sindoordaan. When the ten days, the city seems to standstill immersion of idol of Ma Durga is because of traffic chaos and crowd finally done, it is time to visit moving to visit these Pandals, yet relatives and friends to wish them narrow, are all accommodating. people accept it very cheerfully and Shubho Bijoya and to take the Along with passer bys, gossipers, enjoy their time from morning to blessings of the elders. Each day, people eating out or busy in buying late night. Pandals are illuminated Pooshpanjali is offered to Ma Durga and selling, there is also space for not only with excellent decoration in morning time. There is daily bulls and dogs having siesta or even but also with fine work of crafts- Bhog in all these Pandals which for a death procession. manship. Many times there are well attended. During the days of Banaras can be termed as the city artisans from West Bengal who help Pooja, one can see Bengali people in of festivals as they are celebrated in decorating the Pandals in unique colourful new clothings and with a all over the year. Some of them traditional way. Most of the Pandals zestful gleam in their eyes visiting have distinctive charms and unique follow a theme. Apart from the Pandals from morning to night. features of their own. Among all the traditional idols made from mud, Some Pooja Pandal also arrange festivals celebrated in the city, there are idols which are made of cultural activities, like Jatra, drawing Durga Pooja is one that is celebrat- pearls, cardamom, Rudrakshas, competition, etc. After Dashmi ed on a grand scale and full zest. jewels, dry fruits or even matcsticks. many Bengali clubs organize Bijoya However Durga Pooja in Banaras A special mention has to be Sammelan, an occasion of get is not the only happening of the made of Bengali community in the together and cultural programmes. season. Along with it, goes the cel- city who not only with Pooja Even after the culmination of Pooja ebration of Navaratri and Ram Lila. Celebration but also with other celebration, the people of the city These are the greatest attraction cultural activities make their would still be intoxicated with of Banaras and are celebrated with presence felt. As a matter of fact, festivity that takes few days to cool highest amount of religious fervent, the community has merged so well down to give space to yet other dedication and zeal. Coinciding with with the local people and culture coming festivals. the Durga Pooja celebration, Ram that at a first glance it is hard to Lila of Banaras is yet another single them out as a different entity. charming and significant Pandals of Bengali community have celebration which too is organized more cultural touch and religious in different parts of the city and serenity followed by elaborated presented by the local citizens in rituals of their own way. The city has a purely local fashion. Though the numbers of organizations, clubs and Ram Lila is celebrated all over the associations formed by the Bengali city, the most famous one is Ram community. Out of these, two social Lila of Ram Nagar which attracts organizations (Bharat Sewa Sangh

aaratrika 2007 29 30 aaratrika 2007 Kumar Purnima – Women’s day in Orissa

uja or Dussera always brings back and oysters in the river banks. The memories of lengthy periods of fes- collected treasure is later thrown to the Rajashree Jena Ptivities, clear sky and see through roofs and they sing and wish for the water beds on the river and ponds and well bring of their brother (mind you of course, variety of good food. not husband). The specifi c for any Indian festival is the particular type of Though in my native state Puja food served only on that day. Kumar is celebrated with lot of pump and Purnima is famous for Ukhuda (rice ceremony (the pump part used to be muesli with fruit pieces – for the lesser scale 20 years before). During the generation next’s understanding) and month long Puja holidays, there is one Manda Pitha (which is rice pastries with special that which is my favourite. This coconut, cottage cheese and sweet comes exactly fi ve days after “Dashami” stuffi ng). Rajashree Jena: She loves to live which is Aswin Purnima. In Orissa, the Then the whole evening passes away in wonderland, adores nature and Aswin Purnima is called “Kumar singing and dancing and also praying. regularly goes for long walks in Purnma” which is celebrated by the young girls. This is the full moon day in Many a times people in this part of Moscow parks. Loves good food, the month of Aswin as per the lunar the world ask us do you have women’s light wine and Italian movies. Her calendar and usually falls during day in India? No…but wait! Do we not current favourite movie – Cinema September - October as per the Julian have women’s day? Of course we do not Paradiso. calendar. Aswin Purnima ( full moon have one but many. Kumar Purnima is day) is called Kumar Purnima as on this just one of the few “women’s days” in day Lord Shiva and Parvati’s son Kumar Indian festival calendar. More about the ( Kartikey) was born. He is considered other women’s days later may be in the as the most handsome God. Young girls next Aaratrika. Well, Dussera is all about wish for a husband as handsome as singing the Glory of a Woman - don’t Kartikey and celebrate this day. Oddly you think so? enough they do not worship Lord Kartikey on this day rather there are rituals for Sun & Moon. In the early morning girls wear new dresses after purifi cation bath and wor- ship sun with morning off erings. The main ingredient of this off ering is liya/ Khai which is fried rice grains along with fruits. Though out the day they play cards without fear as they know there will be no reprimand for playing cards. Prior to this day, girls in villages make clay statues of Sun, Moon and Lord Kartikey and carry them from door to door in the evening singing folk songs showing off their statues and having animated discussion about whose one is the best.

In the evening, girls get together near the pond or river side just when the full moon is still on the horizon. This time they make off ering to the Moon and wish for a husband as handsome as Moon. What happened to Kartikey/ Kumar I wonder! They search for snails aaratrika 2007 31 A Trip Down Memory Lane Prita Banerjee

A 3rd year medical student in the University of Liverpool, UK. Having spent her child- hood in Moscow Prita has fond memories of this city where she was known as ‘choti si asha’ and a Kuchipudi dancer. She continues to be passionate about dancing, singing & works out regularly. Favourite food includes anything and everything my mummy and dad’s biriyani.

I sit here tapping on and before we knew it, those much that the eff ort put in by everyone, my keyboard on a yet awaited fi ve days were here. starting from our parents who were Asanother rainy October As much as we wanted to, the a constant source of encourage- afternoon in England, wondering mornings had to be spent at school ment, to the teachers who taught us what thoughts I can conjure on the where the academic atmosphere perfection, to the enthusiasm that title of Durga Puja, I try to refl ect on was a sharp contrast to where all we had stirred up within, were all what these words actually mean to our Mums were, where I was going paid an honest tribute. me. Going back a few years to a city to be in a few hours giving In return the stage solemnly just a plane ride away from where the performance of a lifetime, kept its promise. A promise which I I’m sitting, members of the grown but to my disgust no one here at hope continues to encourage many up world had often explained to me school seem to care. As the hours young talents in Moscow to come the religious and historic implica- slowly drift by and we fi nally landed forward and perform. So that one tions of this celebration, but some- ourselves at the puja mandap, the day when they’re bored on a rainy how my pre pubertal mind had excitement of not just myself, but afternoon in some corner of the made its own interpretation of this all my fellow participants/friends world, they too can have similar festivity. Dancing, singing, was almost tangible. A quick bite to fond memories to look back on. acting; that was my Durga Puja and eat and then a last prayer to Durga at the time no one could change ma, for making sure that all goes that. Although the celebration last- well tonight; that I don’t fall off the ed 5 days for the rest of the world, stage or forget that crucial step that to me it could last a lifetime. I had practiced extensively in the bathroom, when everyone thought I was merely having one of those With preparation beginning a few long girly showers, or do anything months beforehand, it meant we that would cause me to curl up in had plenty of excuse to drift our embarrassment never to be able to minds away from any sort of aca- face the world again! But Ma Durga demic or potentially academic work. knew not to let our honest little ‘So this year what are we all doing?’ selves down. The question which was always followed by a list of cultural activi- ties; from Bengali dance dramas, After an intensive make up and to group songs, to solo classical dress routine, where our mummies performances, frankly I had put my tucked us into those ever so grown hand up for everything. However up saris making sure that the ten enthusiasm wasn’t enough, it was inch safety pin, which was the fi ne followed by months of hard work line between perfection and shame and the very important ‘rehearsals’! was a secret kept quiet between us. ‘After school’ rehearsals where a Then a quick pat on the bum and off great joy for all us little ones and it we went onto the stage that always meant that that silly home- promised us all a fountain of work could wait a few more hours, applause and appreciation from while we danced, acted in absolute people far and wide. As we danced merriment. Time fl ew by though our tiny little feet off we made sure 32 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 33 34 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 35 Madhura Theatre

gor Labunets, director of started his fondness for all things In- Madhura Theatre Group was born dian. Igor Labunets Iin Ukraine. He took keen interest He enjoys gajar-ka-halwa, koftas in Vedic spirituality hence the idea and sabjis. to form a theatre focusing on orien- tal themes was created with his wife Although never having visited Yulia & daughter Ksusha. In 2000, he India, he dreams of seeing Jagan- was given the name Jagatpati by nathpur & Mayapur and later in life Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. to buy a small home there and lead a spiritual life. His favourite programme from his theatre list, Shiva & Sati, was the His greatest hope is that fi rst play that Madhura did using Madhura, which will be celebrating its mime, dance and “plastika”. Shiva 10th anniversary next year, will con- was depicted by his wife and Sati by tinue to thrive and expand and that daughter. one day he will see his group receive international recognition. When he was younger, he loved watching Indian movies and listen- ing to music and song and there

36 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 37 Corrine Godat

On her recent trip to India, we asked her a few questions and these are some of her heart warming answers:

Of Indian cities - Jaipur and Jaisalmer in the Thar desert. The pulsating beauty in everything the locals did was what touched her most. She would spend long hours just watching the elegant way they walked as if they were fl oating on air with their bejeweled skirts just skim- ming the ground. ou must have already no- ticed that this year’s edition Of her Indian food – Noth- Yof Aaratrika is peppered with ing like sweet, ginger tea to appease pictures of vibrant paintings thanks after a spicy Indian fare. Her motto to the talents of the very whimsical – never eat hot curries just before a and accomplished Corrine Godat. concert otherwise the person next Corrine is born on French soil but is to you will be listening to the sym- as international as they come with phonic music coming from your her love of travel to the far corners tummy instead of the stage! of the globe and her fondness for its people. Of Indian Music – Corrine un- derstands why Indians start their day Corrine studied at the Martenot with the Gayatri Mantra. School of Arts in Paris and founded The energy it brings at dawn sees a and ran an art school in the south of person through until he goes to rest France for 15 years. A choice to be at night. next to her family made her move to Bois d’Arcy although she loved the Of Indian Painting – Mediterranean region with all its lush 18th Century Marwar artists like landscapes and riot of colours that Shihab ud-Din, Bhatti natha and fed her personal vision with the help Manno top her list - the strikingly of a palette knife. Corrine currently individualistic style of the region of runs a school and an atelier in a gor- Rajasthan that go back centuries, geous manor house which speaks specifi cally that of the Rathor clan, is of old world charm with open fi re what attracted her most. places, crimson coloured rugs and As for arts in Russia, the Old treasures she and her family picked Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow and the up during their voyages. She has ex- Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, hibited extensively in group and solo which house Corrine’s favourites like vernisages in Paris and in the United Serov, Levitan, Golovin, and Repin States. In 2001, she was awarded the are amongst her most preferred prestigious Paul Helleu prize. artists. 38 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 39 other street of the world has she seen Legends \ Facts Durga Puja such a variety and quantity of books and perpetually regrets being limited to • 1606 - first recorded puja in West the 20 kg luggage allowance. Bengal. Celebrated by Bhabananda, the Dr. Prokofieva’s evenings in the City ancestor of Maharaja Krishnachandra of of Joy usually means meeting friends Nadia who are mostly people involved in arts. • 1610- the oldest Puja in the city She fondly remembers the time that of Calcutta was supposed to be arranged she spent with Goutam Ghose, Sandeep by the family of Sabarana Chaudhury of Ray, Buddhadev Dasgupta and Mrinal Barisha. Sen. • 1761 - first Barowari puja in Gup- tipara, Hoogli. Passions: • 1829 - Lord Bentinck was present Bangla Bhasha, Bangla Cinema and in a Durga Puja in the house of Gopimo- opera han Dev in north Calcutta. Inviting Brit- Food: ish rulers in Durga Puja started from the She is extremely fond of biriyani time of Raja Nabakrishna Dev. and chicken curry. She remembers • “Barowari” puja started in the city Dr. Irina Prokofieva having amazing fish curries, lichi and from 1860. In 1924 the name changed to jam in Kolkata. “sarbojonin”. Even today some organiz- She has been teaching Bengali language ers use the term “barowari”. and songs in Moscow for long! Yes it is Bangla Cinema: • 1939 - Simla Bayam Samiti Puja. none other than Dr. Irina Prokofieva from Dr. Prokofieva has a great collec- Subhaschandra Bose unveiled a 21-foot MGIMO – The Moscow State Institute of tion of Bengali movies and she shares Durga. International Affairs where the future them all the time with her students. • In the late 60’s Durga images diplomats of Russia are born. Her favourites are Ritik Ghatak’s Meghe were flown overseas and Puja was cel- Dr. Prokofieva is fluent is Bengali, Daka Tara and Nagorik. She is an ardent ebrated. Hindi, English and French. fan of Ray and can repeatedly watch Apu’s Trilogy, Charulata, Aronyer Din This year is the 30th anniversary of Ratri. Dr. Prokofieva always makes it a Bangla Basha teaching for Dr. Proko- point to show her students Mrinal Sen’s fieva. Hence Aaratrika decided to ask a Akaler Sandhane which she mentions as few questions to know a bit more about a remarkable film. Uttora by Buddhadev her. Dasgupta touched her heart as well.

As a student: Music: She graduated from Moscow If Irina is working at home, it’s State University in 1975. She fondly inevitable that Ravi Shankar’s music remembers Dr. Aleekseeva - her very would be playing on her music system. first teacher of Bengali. Her favourite She is fond of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is however Prof. Purobi Roy and Irina is and Hemanta Mukhopadhay. She can nostalgic about the time that she spent endlessly listen to Hemanta’s Runner Mythological facts: with her. Prof. Roy visits Moscow from Runner. Anjan Dutta’s 244139 is a time to time to coach Irina’s current favourite with her students probably *Which God gave what weapon to students. because the young minds can relate Devi Durga to destroy Ravana: to the lyrics and music easily. The first • Vishnu - chakra (discus) City of Joy: song however taught to the Bengali • Siva - trishul (trident) Dr. Prokofieva refers to India as the class in MGIMO is always Salil Chowd- • Varun - shankha (conchshell) love of her life and says she experienced hury’s dhitang dhitang bole. . • Agni - flaming dart no culture shock on her first visit to • Vayu - dhanuk (bow) Kolkata in 1974. In fact she feels more at • Surya - tunir ebong teer home in Kolkata than in Moscow! Dr. Irina Prokofieva wishes you (quiver and arrow) She never gets tired of wandering all a very happy puja! • Yama - iron rod in College Street and says that in no • Indra - bajro (thunderbolt) • Himalayas - Lion * Durga has ten hands and Ravana has ten heads ANSWERS : * Carrier: Across : Down : • Durga - Lion 1.BUDDHAPURNIMA 1.BETHLEHEM 2.DIWALI 3.RATH • Kartick - Peacock 7.TIL 8.LOHRI 9.RAKHI 11.HAJ YATRA 4.IFTAR 5.RAMLILA • Ganesh - Mouse 12.EIDEE 14.ONAM 16.XMAS 6.DURGA 10.KOLAM 13.EASTER • Swaraswati -Duck 19.SANTA 21.MODAK 22.RANGOLI 15.NAVROZE 17.ONAM 18.GAYA • Lakshmi - Owl 23.MAGHREB 20.HOLI • Mahisasur - Buffalo

40 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 41 Life Moves On

In a cup, They enjoy their brief moments two straws, on a shaky white table half dipped in an emptiness till they flow apart that overflowed a while ago, to meet- with rich frothy latte, their inevitable gulps of destiny! lean together, their bodies-side by side- Two travelers in time, very still- She-in a red top awaiting separation! and I-in grey, Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay share- Two bicycles, sounds of passing cars Lecturer in the Indian One green, one yellow, sights of people drinking beer Statistical Institute of New Delhi. Blend their contrast. and a silence His passions include A picture frozen pregnant with thoughts, meeting people and reading. In stillness! bringing us closer- He loves philosophical and They stand supporting but time will draw us apart simple books, also reads fast each other- Soon! racy novels on train till- journeys. He listens to Mozart, they are yanked away Like all Beethoven, Beatles, Pink Floyd for another journey! we savor the moments together and remix version of sound and tomorrow- tracks of Mahesh Bhatt movies. Two glasses of beer Life moves on!! Loves all kind of food except One-light and joyful authentic Chinese. winks at the other- dark, frothy and serious.

Rahul Ghose

Rahul is a Delhi-based learning analyst currently working as a corporate trainer, also a blogger and avid traveler. He has ridden a camel in the Rajasthan, stayed in a Buddhist monastery on a Sahaydri ranges, danced in the opera and experiments with life. His works tries to capture the contemporary form of emotions written in a spooky turret.

Bless me an Autumnal Rain!

A blur of hazel eyes follow the autumnal sun Like the blade of grass suckling the nip from dew drops. The first flakes, fat and white as the ashes from a campfire Shadows riding on the breeze With фa slow and noiseless footstep Comes that messenger divine, Takes the vacant chair beside me, Let rain fall on my soul. Lemme sleep peacefully.

42 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 43 Around this time my mother came to us in Pune. An animal lover herself, she expected our dog to be of reason- able discipline. She got a shock of her life when the 35Kg. dog greeted her with a clean leap on her frail shoulders. Anyway by the time she was rescued from his gleeful clutch, he had calmed down and settled on the fl oor. Steff loved people. This was his way of expressing joy to us. As dinnertime approached, I started becoming a bit Contact details apprehensive about his begging habits. In the beginning he was quietly sitting COMPANY FORMATION: under the table but the moment the Address: 26 Bakinskikh packet of Sandesh arrived, he lost all OOO, ZAO, JOINT VENTURE his restraints and he got up and started Komissarov, House No. 9, pawing my son Sujoy. Sujoy pretended not to see him. To draw attention FOREIGN INVESTMENT Office 13 further,Steff stood with his paws on the table eyeing the Bengali Sandesh FOREIGN REPRESENTATION Telephone: +7.495.730.8.9.10; packet from Delhi. As luck would have it my mother understood his intentions. WORK PERMIT Tel/fax: +7.495.434.3384/3524 She got disturbed and scolded him mildly for being greedy. Steff was very BUSINESS VISAS E-mail: hurt. He quietly sat down on the fl oor. [email protected] Rest of the evening he spent sitting on ACCOUNTS’ MAINTENANCE She loves animals and is an active member of WSPA. She takes keen the fl oor with his chin tucked between MARKET RESEARCH IN RUSSIA or, [email protected] interest in cinema and tries to get hold of the latest movies as soon as his paws looking vaguely at the wall. possible. Her favourite Bengali food is jhinge-posto. Later at night I and my sons hugged and praised him for being a good boy.

teff was the most wonderful dog cial piece of cake and a cup of vanilla Next day, early morning, we heard I ever had. He was a Dalmatian, ice-cream for him. He was crazy for a scream coming from mother’s room. Swith perfectly printed black spots. chocolates and Sandesh. In spite of all Fearing some kind of an accident we His gait was majestic and he leaped this, with regular 3 Km. walk every day, all rushed to her room. We shall never like a Cheetah. Being a hunting dog by he stayed trim and agile. forget what we saw. We found Steff breed, he was always alert and spirited. When Steff was fi ve months old, standing next to mother’s bed and his our vet advised us to get him trained by half chewed soggy dog bone nicely After watching “101 Dalmatians” a professional dog trainer. Our neigh- placed on mother’s palm. Steff was my sons wanted to have one as a pet. bor’s Labrador had one. We engaged happily wagging his tail. He probably They had already selected a name for the same trainer, the next day. This wanted to say “I don’t mind sharing my him. They named him, “Steff ”; after their decision was not a very favorable one bone with you”. It was a hilarious sight favorite hotdog counter, in front of for my sons; however, we decided and we could not suppress our laugh ‘Moscva Univermag’. to give it a try. Next day the trainer longer. We all, including my mother handed me a leafl et consisting of all the burst out laughing. I still remember the day we brought commands and said that, by the end of him home. He was just a few weeks old. the month Steff would be able to relate Next two months that my mother The very fi rst night I made him sleep to all of them with ease. First two days stayed with us, she accepted all his with me so that, he feels secured and Steff , like an obedient boy, followed mischief and high spirit with great cozy. Very soon he became the darling the trainer to the adjoining park; but aff ection. of our house. Everybody loved him. the third day onwards, the moment the We lost Steff this February 17th; On our fi rst visit to the veterinary doorbell rang, he ran under the low he was ten. He was a great companion doctor, we were cautioned that, while cot. All our coaxing and bribing to get and a free soul. He is diffi cult to forget. Steff would be very friendly, he is also him out were in vain. After a few more I remember him every day. This is only likely to be very hyperactive, as all repeated visits the trainer gave up. We one of the many incidents of the ten Dalmatians are. We said we will manage just could not fathom why Steff rejected years of Steff with us. that. the trainer. We contained ourselves I want you little readers to know When little Steff was teething we with the thought that probably the that, animal can be one of your best gave him some wooden blocks and training was too harsh for him. At home friends. You love them a little and they teethers to chew. Soon we found that we taught him a few simple tricks like will love you many times more for ever. he was more interested in the bed and “fetch” and “jump” but he pretended sofa stands.Steff was very fond of food. not to understand the words” Stop” and Birthdays at our place meant a spe- “No”. Nupur Mukherjee 44 aaratrika 2007 Contact details COMPANY FORMATION: Address: 26 Bakinskikh OOO, ZAO, JOINT VENTURE Komissarov, House No. 9, FOREIGN INVESTMENT Office 13 FOREIGN REPRESENTATION Telephone: +7.495.730.8.9.10; WORK PERMIT Tel/fax: +7.495.434.3384/3524 BUSINESS VISAS E-mail: ACCOUNTS’ MAINTENANCE [email protected] MARKET RESEARCH IN RUSSIA or, [email protected]

aaratrika 2007 45 46 aaratrika 2007 Culture Surprise (the fore runner to shock!)

These little observations and anecdotes speak for themselves

Shanti is a Singaporean married to a Frenchman and is bringing up a son in a multicultural environment. She loves the fine arts scene and will go to anything from a one-man photography exhibition to a full blown Bolshoi production. She is a huge fan of all Asian cuisine but top of the list has to be Kochu shak and ilish mach bhaza!

Shanti Bhattacharya Tauvy

How do I count thee – let me count me a minute”. Somehow, my Indian friends need a the ways … baffling 2 minutes! And Russians – Well when I first arrived here and When I was growing up in Singapore, every heard them ask me for “shas” I immediately mistook time we had to count out numbers on our fingers, it to mean “chas” – an hour! we’d start with the index finger to signify 1. 2 is the middle finger and so on until you reached four. At Fashion five, instead of holding all fingers and thumb out, a) Upon arriving in Moscow - many years ago - it we join all our finger tips together somewhat mak- always amazed me to see Russian ladies in the park ing the hand look like a little bird. and zoo in the afternoons had packed in so much When I arrived in France, I had to learn all over into their Saturday schedule that they would have again how to count with my fingers for here, they had no time to go home and change before a gala start with their thumb for 1 and index for 2 and so dinner, hence their afternoon walks would be in on until the whole hand is opened out. All very what the rest of the world would call evening well except that just try holding out three fingers finery. I soon learnt that their next port of call and the thumb and leaving the little pinkie down. was indeed home and that this desire to be over Quite a feat I assure you if you haven’t tried it dressed was just their way of being desirable. already. Now the Russian have yet another way of counting. b) Picture this – Your anorexic, 6-footer neigbour, Instead of starting out with a clenched fist, they clad in the tightest jeans and bosom-heaving- actually start with an open hand with all fingers barely-there top, struts out in her 6 inch stilettos stretched out. Then, with the index finger of the and wearing night time make up to kill. She grabs other hand, the start closing the pinkie for 1, ring her black designer sling bag which is too small to finger for 2 and so on and so forth until all the fin- carry her huge book that she’d have to read in the gers are closed and you have a fist for 5! metro so what does she do? Stuff the book, along In India, you have your own peculiar way of with pair of home slippers and a clothes hanger counting too. Each phalange represents a number (for the lady in the cloak room to hang up her so you get to pack in 20 into just one hand! Talk gorgeous black fur coat in) into a well battered about efficiency! plastic bag that has seen better days! This is probably the one image of Russians that I will Time never understand. - to be dressed to perfection When requesting for a moment of waiting time, and to upset the harmony by carrying the most back home in Singapore, we would just say “Give unbecoming plastic bag. Can someone tell them the tote has been invented? aaratrika 2007 47 Food, Drink and Cigarette When I first arrived in France, I had to put aside Ice cream eating in the midst of freezing sub zero my fear of proximity and let myself be kissed on degree temperatures. Newly arriving in Moscow, I both cheeks by sometimes, total strangers. see ice cream devushkas set up stand in the middle Arriving in Russia, I have to subject myself to be of winter along the sidewalks and a queue forming kissed on only one cheek. But what about a Russian in front of it. I gathered they did this because who is familiar with French protocol? How should overheads were minimal and customers feel we establish how many kisses is required because they’re already so cold outside, why not just even it the Russian would feel he should make the French out. comfortable by kissing twice and the French would Buying water in this city means facing more feel he has to accommodate the Russian since he is options than where to send your son to college! on Russian soil! You need fizzy water or still water? If fizzy, how many bubbles per cubic ml do you need? A little, a Applause lot or j-u-s-t right?! Never have I seen more applause and praise I’ve never seen a population more needing to singing as I have seen at the end of any concert quench a thirst than the average Moscovite as they – good or not-so-good – with the whole theatre walk the streets. And its not just alcohol – anything resonating ‘BRAVO” and 100 dollar bouquets from Mors to Russikii Standard in cans will do. And handed out to the artists. And what about when since the tiny packs of apple juice need only two the plane finally lands at the destination city of chugs of the straw before its finished and the 1 liter arrival? OK, granted there are no flowers being ones are way too much to finish – they’ve come up offered to the pilot but I assure you, I’ve heard the with a medium sized box! Once again – not too big, odd BRAVO shouted out in the cabins. Russians not too small, j-u-s-t right. take very little for granted and are ready to give Another common scene limited to just Rus- boisterous credit where it’s due. sia are the cigarette puffing group of co workers huddled against the winter chill as if hurrying to meet a dead line – to get to the end of the filter. Cries of surprise Back home, when hurt, we’d cry out “ow” When I arrived in France, I had to tell my reflexes to cry “Aie” Now in Russia, I’ve had to retrain them to scream “Oiy” Greetings Have you ever noticed how a Russian never replies “I am well” to your polite query of “How are you?”? It’s always an understated “I am normal” as if anything happier than normal would mean attract- ing the evil eye!

48 aaratrika 2007 Production and Commercial Group 16, Rozhdestvenskyi Bulvar, Moscow 125310 phone: +7 495 787 4245 aaratrika 2007 49 Indians overseas

Partha Sarathy Banerjee

Dr Partha Sarathy Banerjee is a joint neurosurgical research fellow at University of Leicester Medical School and Christchurch College, University of Oxford. He is also an assistant lecturer in Neuroscience & Neurology at these institutions. He actively works with charity organisations focusing on children’s healthcare & welfare. His favourites in reading include Wilde, Orwell & Solzhenitsyn. Partha is passionate about dramatics & fondly remembers the parts he got to play in various Moscow Durga Puja plays. He en- joys traditional Bengali food and likes to have a go at cooking whenever he can.

aving spent a substantial part of mix of unquestionable faith, elaborate a selfl ess noble act, a quality that my life exploring this world due customs, a gifted mind and a whole scholars have incessantly praised us Hto my Father’s expatriate status, lot of spices in our cooking. Keeping through centuries for. it has almost given me an opportunity traditions and customs alive immaterial to sample a variety of cultures across of where you are, is almost a lifestyle The Mexican writer and Nobel the globe through out my life. Beautiful for us. Even for those who are deeply laureate Octovio Paz once pondered languages, a plethora of cultures, social sceptic of religious traditionalism in that “every culture that disappears, dynamics within races have almost a modern world, it somehow has felt diminishes a possibility of life”, but been a way of life for me. During many right to keep with it. The ostentatious thankfully, due to the eff orts of our such deliciously memorable encoun- methods of holding on to our spiritual fellow Indians overseas, we are ters, the one sub-culture that has been identity are perhaps what unite us in a continuing to thrive and learn, more in prominence and of great infl uence land where diff erence is one of the few about ourselves as a culture and a race. to me personally has been my fellow things people have in common. With Indians that live abroad. an increased global interest and public support, we have managed to show- case some of the vibrancy of our race With a great effl ux of the Indian in our current somewhat lacklustre and population to almost all corners of the chronically melancholic surroundings. globe due to a multitude of reasons Big Indian festivals such as Durga Puja, such as skilled migrants to an Diwali and Holi have become familiar expatriate community, we have suc- words in foreign languages. Growing ceeded in building a home away from overseas communities of Indians from home. The beauty of our people to Moscow to Los Angeles are now work- bring a great sense of national pride, ing harder than ever to promote a true heritage and a wealth of cultural sense of India outside India. diversity to almost anywhere on the planet is both admirable and a quality that has turned us into very likeable Just like most great things about individuals. Most of all, we have almost life that are genuinely infectious, our restored the world’s faith in keeping up culture has started to rub off even on with traditions that pre-date many of those who were born and bred on for- the other contemporary civilisations. eign soils. Let us not forget what Robert Our presence on the world stage is Owen famously quoted that “man is the now immensely prominent. Examples creature of circumstances” and for some of these lie in an increased global of us who have not had the fortune recognition of Indian arts and cinema of truly experiencing what we are all right on to traditional Indian cuisine about, the eff orts of our fellow being awarded exclusive gastronomic countrymen abroad has at least given accolades such as Michelin stars. Much them some food for thought that of the credit for such achievements lie extends far beyond the intricacies of an with those who have ventured outside ipod. Finding our identities in today’s of our boundaries to pastures new and existence can sometimes be a touch helped spread the word, that we are more tricky than one cares to admit, a bit more than a nation of software especially with such great chunks of engineers and call centre workers. populations inhabiting so far and wide. Our unfl agging resolve to help The recipe of what makes us truly everyone fathom the depths of what a great race lies deep within a soulful makes us “us”, can only be described as 50 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 51 Rock music in India never really play fi lm music and Hindi pop music surfaced before it sank again. The mostly. These channels do not support reason for this was that bands were not local rock bands in any way and hardly able to establish their own identities by play western music. Of course, now with playing originals. It started plummeting the advent of the international music further when Hindi pop music took the channel VH1, listeners are able to get a Chris Samuel stage with women baring themselves. good dose of diff erent music styles of is the lead guitarist for Moksha, the Indian record companies created hype the west. Indian Rock Band (besides being the pro-moting them. Since television and radio are very guitarist in A.R Rehman’s group). Moksha, my band has always eff ective media, people mostly listen Moksha is the only Asian band to be concentrated on the International scene to the music that’s being fed to them. featured on an Iron Maiden tribute rather than on the national level. This Hindi pop and fi lm music is easily album, which was released by Energie unconsciously helped the band create digestible to a majority of the public Records, a UK based recording a huge fan following in India. Bands like compared to rock, jazz, country or any company. Orange Street, Thermal and a Quarter other form of western music. Moksha also featured on a Tribute album have played only originals and have So very rarely does one get to to the Metal Gods ‘Metallica’. also made it quite big on the national hear a rock band on television or radio and international level and gig often. in India and if it is a local band… The prime music channels in India, forget it. like MTV, Channel V, Zee music and B4U

Across : 1.Most sacred day in Buddhist calendar 7.Sesame seeds 8.Festival of Punjab marking the end of winter 9.Sister ties it to the brother’s wrist 11. Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca 12. Money given to children on Eid to buy toys and sweets 14. Harvest festival of Kerala 16. 25th December 19. Bearded old men in red dress bearing gifts 21. Special sweets made during Ganesh Chathurthi 22.Designs made on the fl oor with colored powder 23. The evening prayers of Muslims

Down : 1.The place where Jesus was born 2.The festival of lights and crackers 3.The car festival of lord Jagannath at Puri 4.The evening meal during Ramzaan 5.Episodes of Ramayana during Dusshera in North India 6.Goddess with 10 hands on a lion, worshipped in Bengal 10.Designs drawn on the fl oor for Pongal with rice paste 13. 3 days after Good Friday 15.Parsi festival – to celebrate the beginning of the year 17.Bihu is the festival of ……. 18.Place where Gautama became the enlightened one-Buddha 20.Festival of colours 52 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 53 54 aaratrika 2007 Bollywood, Tollywood, Mosfilm and some Hollywood...

Sumana Mukherjee Well, Uttam-Suchitra and Amitabh movies are my all-time favourite. I like Rekha, she was fabulous in Khoon Bhari Mang. I am fond of Aishwarya Rai. I liked the movie Titanic and along Shankar Mukherjee Rathin Chatterjee with my daughter I do watch I along with Nupur watch quite Nupur Mukherjee Russian movies? There are so Harry Potter. I have not watched a lot of BBC Prime. We enjoy As I like almost all of Tapan Sinha’s many that I am fond of like any Russian movies. Life Goes By, Family and movies and some of Satyajit The Cranes are Flying where Pradyot Mukherjee Keeping Up Appearance. I also Ray’s work. I enjoyed Sonar Kella, Batalov was simply wonderful. I like Shekhar Kapoor and enjoy movies of Tom Hanks, Apanjan and Jana Aranya. Infact My favourite actress is Faina Maniratnam fi lms. I enjoyed Nicolas Cage and Michael Abar Arannye of Gautam Ghose Ranetskaya and actor Mikhail Roza and Masoom. My favourite Douglas. Did you watch was also a pleasure to watch. I Zharov. In Bollywood I like some actress would be Sridevi. Oh Douglas’s recent The Sentinel? am fond of Aparna Sen both as a of Amitabh movies like Sholay yes, indeed I am fond of Big It’s pretty decent. I love thrillers. director like in 36, Chowringhee and appreciate acting of Meena B. How can I say which is my Indeed I do watch Bengali and Lane and Mr & Mrs Iyer and as an Kumari and Waheeda Rehman. I favourite Amitabh fi lm? There Hindi movies as often as actress. Her daughter Konkona did see quite a lot of old Bengali are so many. Probably Agnipath possible. is a talented actress as well. I movies and I love the ones like was one of his best. No, have enjoy some of Rituporno movies Deep Jele Jai and Nayak. My not watched any Russian mov- like Bariwali and Utsav. Did you favourites include Uttam Kumar, ies. I am fond of comedies and watch the rather recent Life in Suchitra Sen, Modhobi romantic movies. Remember a Metro and Corporate? Good Mukherjee and Sharmila Tagore. Uttam Kumar’s Harano Sur? movies! I like Preity Zinta, Kajal and Shabana Azmi. Amir Khan, Akshay Khanna, Boman Irani and Nasiruddin Shah are also my favourites. I feel Amitabh with age has matured and is doing a good job in fi lms like Nishabd, Black and Cheeni-Kum. I am fond of Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep. In that old movie ‘Out Anup Banerjee of Africa’ she and Red Redford I quite appreciate movies by were charming. I would want to Anurag Basu. Gangster is a fi ne watch Russian movies but isn’t it work of direction where a rather diffi cult to get translated ones? daring subject has been well Purnima Banerjee handled. His movies have great My favourite director is music as well. I am also fond of Elena Chatterjee Hrishikesh Mukherjee. I like Vidhu Vinod Chopra movies. I My favourite Bollywood actress? absolutely all his movies. I watch simply love Lage Raho Munna It has to be Rekha though I am more of Bengali fi lms. Bhai and think it has a message extremely fond of Smita Patil. Appreciate Soumitra Chatterjee for all. Sanjay Dutt and Rani I enjoyed watching Rekha’s and Suchitra Sen’s acting. In Mukherjee act well. I like almost Umrao Jaan. I do like Bollywood among the young all works of Satyajit Ray. Satyajit Ray’s work, indeed stars I think Preity Zinta is good. Soumitra Chatterjee is a Pather Pachali is wonderful. I I am very fond of Utpal Dutt. I talented actor. Chiriyakhana and also love Banderchuk directed have not watched any Russian Nayak are my favourites. I don’t movies. fi lms. quite watch Russian movies. aaratrika 2007 55 Russiwood?

Dr Pradyumna Chatterjee is extremely passionate about cinema, theatre, arts and music. A doctor by profession he is also an amateur actor and aspires to become a fi lm director. Pradyumna is an excellent cook and apparently makes the best rabri in Moscow. Pradyumna as Othello in VGIK

ost of us Indians living here Stoyanov) and Nikita Mikhalkov himself like to watch fi lms from India playing the role of a retired army offi cer Min Hindi or in South Indian and painter. languages with our favorite actors. It’s a The fi lm depicts some of the most must for us to see the latest fi lm of Shah intricate details of the human character Rukh Khan, Rajnikanth, Chiranjeevi or and highlights confl icts typically Mamutty to keep ourselves very associated with the Russian society. By updated with India. So if we get time all standards the fi lm sets an example of we ask our friends in India to bring or excellence. Although the fi lm revolves ask for DVDs of Chak De India, Shivaji on the developments in a single place and other latest hits from India. in the interiors of a sports classroom of Somehow most Russian fi lms go out of a school, with very little outdoor shoots, our radars or from our plate of tastes. the best technical know how were But recently especially in the last two used like the synchronized fi lming of years some Russian fi lms have caused all the actors simultaneously. It breaks a stir in the world of Cinema which the common traditions of fi lm making six awards in the National Film awards again and has lured people back to the where episodes are fi lmed separately, or the Golden Eagle. kinozals. One of them is the fi lm”12” or rather its like theater on screen where The fi lm revolves round the “Dvenadsat’” directed by one of Russia’s all characters are present and involved character of Father Anatoly played by most internationally acclaimed simultaneously in the same time like Peter Momonov. Anatoly’s directors Nikita Mikhalkov. The fi lm won on stage, and the best technologies of transformation of a sailor serving in the the special jury award of the “Golden camera work and editing are used to fl oat during World War II to a hermit in Lion” in the recently concluded Venice depict the intensity as in theater. This a monastery is the main essence of the Film Festival. is also helped by a perfect sound track, fi lm. Spirituality is defi nitely the theme mixing the sounds of school bells, and of the fi lm but it has little to do with The Film bears similarity to the 60’s fusions of Classical and folk Caucasian religion. Rather its about salvation of a Hollywood Classic “12 angry men” made music. This again is one of Nikita person looking to amend his previous by Sydney Lumet. It revolves around Mikhalkov’s unique way of fi lm making grieves, serving people in a monastery the 12 characters who as members of where like in theater the actors remain in a far off island surrounded by sea the jury had to decide on the fate of a present for the entire part of the fi lm in the north of Russia. Despite its very checheneonok or Chechen young boy which, he had initiated way back in serious theme of spiritualism the fi lm accused of killing his step father. With the year 1976 with the fi lm “Unfi nished generated very good revenues and a very strong caste involving some of composition for the mechanical piano”. probably for the fi rst time in its history the best actors of Russian Film and Talking of success of a Russian the Russian Orthodox church came to Theatre playing the characters of a fi lm both nationally and internation- support a fi lm! Apart from the theme, former scientist turned businessman ally another fi lm which made news this Andrey Zegalov the operator has (Sergei Makovetski), an old Jewish year is the fi lm “Ostrov” or the “Island” captured beautifully the barren natural gentleman (Valentin Gaft), a stage directed by Pavel Lungin. The fi lm was beauty of the Northern Russia and the performer (Michael Efremov), a surgeon screened at the closing ceremony of the monastery. (Sergei Gazarov) a media magnate (Yuri Venice Film festival last year and won 56 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 57 Elki-Palki

Valya can never understand the concept of chapati and alu-ki-sabzi saying alu can only be garnir k bvtoromy literally meaning second in the list to be served after soup along with meat. Our favourite dal-chawal is equally bizarre for her.

Most of our pickles are hot and some indeed fi ery. Valya defi nes our mouthwateringacha- rs as ‘chilly with more chilies’. Over the years I have thought of a fi tting reply to that and I think I have at last found it in the ultra salty Russian herring. I never really understood why in Aerofl ot that slice of black bread is nicely wrapped in a plastic pack while the white one is step- friend Valya was coming surprise. Why bring barfi all the way from motherly left to dry! over for dinner. She has a India when it’s almost the same as the Rus- sweet tooth and I had de- sian kartoshka. My friend, an ardent barfi fan I however do understand that a tin of ras- MY gullas or gulabjamun can be confused by cided to treat her to kheer. When served would rather die than accept it as the twin Valya peeped into the bowl asking curiously of kartoshka. What can be common between Valya for kampot or fruits in light syrup. After “a sto tam?” When I explained all about our the royal kaju barfi and the very regular kar- milk and rice kheer, Valya exclaimed with an toshka made from fl our, cocoa, butter and I-know-it-all-look “ahhh kasha sto li?” My two sugar? hour struggle which included thickening of the milk, then adding rice, nuts, raisins, My Valya insists in categorizing chana, rajma, sugar, cardamom and bay leaves was bru- sambhar, dal makhani or the delightful Ben- tally diminished into dull breakfast porridge. gali style bhaja muger dal (roasted yellow I angrily denied kheer being analogous to lentils) under a common umbrella gorokh. ricovaya or rice kasha and reiterated to Valya Gorokh or split lentils as Valya agrees reminds the complexities involved in the preparation. us of inexpensive soup and budget canteens. But Valya shrugged and said “kasha i v Afrike And dal makhani is supposed to be in the kasha”! meal of maharajas! A friend of mine once told me how she want- ed to punch her colleague who after biting into a kaju barfi had expressed profound

opening a can of rasgullas Valya had called to clarify if the rasgullah is a creeper or similar to an apple tree!

I have heard hilarious stories of how my veg- etarian friends with their rather impressive knowledge of botany have mistaken red caviar for a tiny red berry jam. The Russian pungent mustard often gets confused with the harmless bread spread.

Having said this, I do happily confess that hot pan-fried blinis with smitana tastes divine, I can never forget babushka Varya’s lip smack- ing quince-walnut vareniye and would give my life to sink my teeth in an oven fresh cab- bage-egg or potatoe-mushroom pirashki of Valya’s cuisine. And indeed the list is much longer. By Debasmita Moulick Nair

58 aaratrika 2007 огни железнодорожного вокзала, и я радостно устремился ему навстречу. Мы не снимали апартаметы и не жили в номерах “люкс”. Мы останавливались в гости- ницах среднего класса. Путешествовали в поездах не в люкс-купе. Отсутствие комфорта не пугало нас. Это доставляло остроту ощуще- ний к всеобщим впечатлениям. С детства увлечённый Индией, я прочи- тал массу книг и статей об этой удивительной стране. Меня интересовало буквально всё, что хоть косвенно касалось предмета моего увлечения. Я знал, что Индия это единствен- ная страна в мире, где наибольшее количество миллионеров и самое большое число бедного днажды, когда мне было 10 лет, я Прикасаясь к древним скульптурам и фрескам, населения. И всё же я испытал лёгкий шок, ког- посмотрел индийский фильм. изображающим танцовщиц, душу переполня- да своими глазами увидел, как граничат богатст- ОПосмот-рел и пропал. С тех самых пор ла какая то неведомая сила. Наблюдая всю во и нищета. Роскошный особняк соседствует я влюбился в эту страну. В этот сказочный, эту красоту, ты неожиданно чувствуешь, что с нищей хижиной. А многие люди просто не красочный мир! Мир индийского кино, в саму твоё, не умеющее танцевать тело, наполняется имеют крыши на головой и вынуждены жить на Индию. И с того само-го момента меня не какой-то особой пластикой, которую тебе тут улице. покидала мечта, посетить эту страну. Индия же хочется выразить в движении танца. Затем поселилась в моём сердце, завладела моей мы посетили Ути, поднявшись на высоту более душой. Индия звала меня к себе.... 2000 метров над уровнем моря. Свежий горный И вот почти четверть века спустя моя мечта воздух придавал бодрости, а низко висящие осуществилась. Я купил билет для путешествия облака просто обнимали. Когда мы смотрели в этот мир полный для меня загадок и тайн. со скалы вниз, то казалось, что весь мир лежит Ступив на землю Индии, я почувствовал себя у твоих ног. в совершенно другом измерении. Это было Путешествие по Индии подарило мне как путешествие в другую галактику, на другую массу впечатлений. Но самое неизгладимое планету. впечатление на меня произвёл Тадж Махал. С первого момента я влюбился в Дели. Великолепное строение из белого мрамора. Шум большого города, его суета, его жизнь, мне Жемчужное украшение в ожерелье досто- казались таким родным и знакомым. Как будто примечательностей Индии. Я много слышал я всю жизнь жил в этом городе. Я смотрел по об этом удивительном чуде света. Видел массу сторонам и не мог насмотреться. Мне до сих фотографий. Но поездка в Индию будет не пор не верилось, что я нахожусь в стране, о полной, если не увидеть своими глазами этот которой так долго мечтал. памятник вечной любви. Каждый, кто приехал Понравились люди. Очень добрые, мягкие в Индию, просто обязан увидеть Тадж Махал. и приветливые. Всюду я встречал их свет- Каждый камень этого белоснежного строения лые улыбки. Многие подходили и просили рассказывает историю любви великого князя к сфотографироваться на память. Разве мог я своей жене. Эта легенда будет жить вечно. отказать? Это были мои люди, это была моя Не обошлось моё путешествие и без страна. А вечером, когда на город опускалось маленьких приключений. Однажды, находясь покрывало ночи, я сидел на террасе и вдыхал на промежуточной станции Виджая Вада в запахи цветущих деревьев и ароматических ожидании поезда, я решил прогуляться по палочек. И мне казалось, что я нахожусь в раю. окрестностям. Разглядывая витрины магазин- Несколько дней проведя в Дели и немно- чиков и лавочек я не заметил, как далеко ушёл го адаптировавшись к новой жизни, мы с дру- от вокзала. И лишь когда на город опустились зьями собрались в путешествие по древней вечерние сумерки, я опомнился и понял, что не Индии. Времени было не много. А посмотреть могу найти дорогу назад. Вот тут я испугался. хотелось как можно больше. Было немного страшно остаться без денег и Индия - древняя страна. Мир полный документов в незнакомой стране практически загадок и тайн. И как приятно прикоснуться не зная языка. На ломаном английском самому к этим тайнам, к этой древней спросил у торговца сувенирами как пройти к культуре. По пути на юг страны, мы заехали железнодорожному вокзалу. Он жестами ука- Поразило большое количество нищих и в Майсур. В Майсуре меня поразил своей зал мне направление. По пути следования я попрошаек на рынках и вокзалах. Но когда мне красотой княжеский дворец. Впервые в жизни попал в цыганский квартал. Люди провожали рассказали, что многие родители сознатель- я видел это великолепие не с экрана, и не меня любопытным взглядами. Ребятишки но калечат своих детей, тем самым, обрекая на фотографии. Я видел это своими глазами. подбегали, чтобы протянуть руку и просто их на нищенское существование, готовя из Прикасался к колоннам, стенам, хранившим сказать Hеllo. Было конечно очень приятно. Но них профессиональных попрошаек, я испы- королевские тайны. Моя разгорячённая фан- страх отстать от поезда мешал думать о чём то тал настоящий шок. Но все эти негативы не тазия представляла мне разнообразные яр- другом. И вот впереди неожиданно засверкали изменили моего отношения к стране, которую кие картинки из жизни князей. Всё это трудно я полюбил с детства. передать просто словами. Это нужно пережить. Время, проведённое в Индии пролетело Yuri Lass lives in Germany though he grew быстро. Перед поездкой я наивно думал, что up in Russia. His loves to travel and sketches вот съезжу, и душа моя успокоится. Но, как я women figures from ancient Indian sculptures. был не прав. И уже в аэропорту города Дели, перед посадкой в самолёт, я оглянулся назад He is extremely fond of Bollywood and adores и понял. Я ЕЩЁ СЮДА ВЕРНУСЬ. Здесь осталась Hema Malini. моя душа. Здесь осталось моё сердце.....

Юрий Ласс (Германия)

aaratrika 2007 59 STAR OVERSEAS PTE. Ltd.

60 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 61 62 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 63 64 aaratrika 2007 MEMBERS

President Swami Jyotirupananda Maharaj Vice-president Hitangshu Kumar Dasgupta Treasurer Chitralekha Dasgupta Joint Secretaries Nitin Aurangabadkar & Anup Banerjee Cultual Secretary & Editor of Aaratrika Debasmita Moulick Nair Puja in-charge Purnima Banerjee

Alok Shrivastava Arup Bhattacharya Atreyee Chatterjee & Dhrubo Chatterjee Bornali Majumdar & Sudip Majumdar Debasmita Bera Debasmita Moulick Nair & Ramanunni Nair Dinesh Chakraborty Krishna Roy Lali & Kaushik Das Lena Chatterjee & Rathin Chatterjee Lochana & Mahesh Mahadevan Mala Das & Deelip Das Manjulika Dhar & Debasish Dhar Medha Mozumdar Mitali Sarkar Moises Garzon Mohua Sanyal & Sumit Sanyal YOUNG MEMBERS Manasi Sengupta & Swarup Sengupta Nabarun Majumdar Adarsh Tripathy Natasha Dasgupta & Joy Dasgupta Amit Singh Nadezda Singh & Rameshwar Singh Andrei Garzon Dasgupta Nipa Dutta & Arijit Dutta Aanisha Violeta Garzon Dasgupta Nupur Mukherjee & Shankar Mukherjee Anushka Dhar Olga Sengupta & Debasish Sengupta Astika Bajaj Purnima Banerjee & Anup Banerjee Choiti Das Pushpalata Mishra & Durgananda Mishra Kaushik Baba Prasun Mandal Mohini Mitra Rina Das & Raktim Das Olivia Dutta Sangeeta Mitra & Pushpendu Mitra Prarthana Mukherjee Sivaranjani & V Pundari Baba Rati Singh Sonu Bajaj & Balmukund Bajaj Rick Das Smita Sengupta & Sumit Sengupta Richik Sengupta Sudeshna Aurangabadkar & Nitin Aurangabadkar Sagarika Sanyal Sumana Ganguly Sahana Mukherjee Sumana Mukherjee & Pradyot Mukherjee Sanchari Mukherjee Tanu Tripathi & Suresh Tripathi Sombuddha Majumdar Tatiana Dmitrievna Dasgupta Shashwat Bajaj Trisha Banerjee Sreemoyee Chatterjee Tushnik Ghosh Suryashmi Sengupta Yulia Chatterjee & Pradyumna Chatterjee Uditangshu Aurangabadkar aaratrika 2007 65 Our special acknowledgement

The Moscow Durga Puja H.E. The Ambassador of India to Russia Mr. Prabhat P. Shukla Committee would like to thank all of Ramakrishna Mission Moscow you for your participation and support. Mr. Oleg – Ramakrishna We look forward to seeing active new Mission Moscow

members in our team. Mr. Abhay Thakur – Counsellor Warmest Sharodiya wishes to you all! and Director JNCC Moscow Ascot International

Mrs. Padma Lochana Mahadevan Aaratrika thanks – Kids club Irina Kirilovna Smirnova Ayaan Ali Khan for – Interclub RPFU

the painting that he specially Interclub RPFU

sent for our cover this year. Mr. Naresh – Devi cafe

“AARATRIKA” Restaurant Khajuraho Moscow Durga Puja celebrations 1990-2007 Restaurant Talk of the Town Editor-in-chief: Debasmita Moulick Nair Sub-editor: Restaurant Maharaja Nitin Aurangabadkar

Advertisement coordinators: Restaurant Golden Buddha Anup Banerjee Debasish Dhar Pundari Baba Restaurant Tandoor Pradyot Mukherjee Joy Dasgupta Balmukund Bajaj Serum institute of India Nitin Aurangabadkar Alok Shrivastsva Shanti Bhattacharya Tauvy Advertisement and Foto Designers: Nadezda Singh Juriy Tereschenko ZAO Veins

Design and printing “IDEA” +7 495 232 5552 ext.137 Sharan Pharma +7 901 512 8734 +7 495 771 5934 e-mail: [email protected] Sun Pharma www.ideaonline.ru

Cover: Painting by Ayaan Ali Khan Binatone

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the views expressed IPCA Lab ltd. by the contributors or correspondents. All rights reserved and reproduction in any manner is prohibited without the Indian Spices permission from the publishers. Miklukho-Maklaya 66 aaratrika 2007 aaratrika 2007 67 68 aaratrika 2007