Kali Puja, cultural progs to unfold during Diwali week

Mumbai: The city resembles a giant fairyland with twinkling lights, floral garlands and bustling Diwali bazaars that signal the advent of Deepavali, the biggest festival on the Hindu calendar. Tuesday's Dhanteras saw lesser volumes of sale given the record prices of bullion. Still, mahurat buyers did not forgo the festival, making the most of the investment opportunity. By evening, throngs of shoppers were seen inside the row of jewellery stores in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri.The annual snaking queue for silver and gold coins unfolded outside a store in Zaveri Bazar. Other jewellers in the locality were not entirely dissatisfied either. Jitendra Jain of Jugraj Kantilal Jewellers said, "Traditionally, Dhanteras is a lucrative day for gold sales, but this year's record high prices (Rs 81,000 per 10 gm) led to a decline in sales. Customers are now cautious about investing.""Despite the slowdown, today's business wasn't entirely disappointing. The trend now sees people buying gold based on market fluctuations, rather than solely on auspicious occasions. Overall, sales were moderate, reflecting the market's cautious sentiment."Kanaya Kakad, director of IBJA's (India Bullion Jewellery Association) governing board, said, "Business is down by 20-25% as compared to last Diwali. Yet, regular customers are still making purchases, albeit in lesser volumes. Those who would buy 10 gm are now buying 3, 4 or 5 gm. But the clients are the same old (ones)."Several religious, cultural and welfare initiatives are being undertaken through Diwali week. The Bengali community is preparing to perform Kali Puja on the night of Oct 31-Nov 1. Numerous Durga Puja pandals commonly extend celebrations to include this ritual. Bombay Durga Bari Samiti in Grant Road will celebrate its 75th Kali Puja ritual at 9 pm Oct 31, said mandal president Susmita Mitra. The Kalbadevi Sarvajanik Durga Puja Mandal of jewellery carvers will celebrate its 95th Kali Puja with enthusiasm, said organiser Lakhmikant Das.Bassein Bengal Club will celebrate Kali Puja in their own temple in Vasai from 10 pm to 3 am, said organiser Mrinal Guha. "Devotees offer 108 hibiscus flowers, and as many bilva leaves, clay lamps and blades of grass to Goddess Kali. They offer fruits, sweets, khichdi, kheer and fried vegetables as prasad. The rituals include a ‘hom' (fire sacrifice). Worshipers seek the blessings of Maa Kali to fulfil their desires," Guha said.In Thane Bhayandarpada, Ghodbundar Road, the Bengali community in collaboration with Godrej Emerald Cultural Committee, is celebrating on Oct 31 and Nov 1. Spokesman Arnab Banerjee said, "The attractions include bhog distribution and musical performances on the ‘dhaak' and ‘kasar' by special artists invited from remote areas of Bengal. There will be whole night rituals and lighting of 108 diyas. We have a free health checkup, breast cancer awareness programme and blood donation drive on Nov 1 with various hospitals. Before the immersion of the idol, we will have a dhunuchi dance and sindoor khela."Meanwhile a mix of cultural and welfare initiatives are scheduled for the festival. At Cooperage Ground, Fort, a large installation of a kandeel made from 30,000 recycled plastic bottles is drawing attention. Curated by Minali Thakkar, the artwork was partnered by BMC and Inner Wheel District 314.Maharashtrian enclaves like Dadar, Girgaum and Thane are organising fort-making competitions which is an old time Diwali tradition.Spring cleaning is an essential ritual that precedes Lakshmi Puja. The Clean Mumbai Foundation is inviting citizens to participate in its ‘Mera Aangan Saaf' initiative by keeping their homes, offices, and surroundings clean this festive season. People can despatch photos and select participants will be rewarded with a special plaque, said CMF chairperson Kunti Oza.
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