Every year we were celebrating Durga Pooja jointly as a family together. This was an occasion when it was a mandatory for all my brothers and sisters to ensure their presence without fail at our home. It was such occasion every year we kept on waiting, since this was an opportunity when we all brothers and sisters along with their spouse and kids were assembled together. But, the worst part of this gathering was the job of cleaning the home waiting for all of us and nobody was ready to accept it happily. In fact, we were getting assembled normally one or two day before the beginning of this 10 days long celebration.
Before, this usually most part of the house remained closed. Since, it was not possible for my parent to maintain the cleanliness of entire house alone of their own. So, whenever we opened the door it was an unique stench of smelly air waiting there to welcome us which was quite unbearable for all of us. But, ultimately willingly or unwillingly we used to indulge ourselves in order to make the house and atmosphere clean. It was always surprising that it never took too long to make the entire house neat and clean. But, even after every effort of cleanliness it was not possible to remove the smell. And, it was really agonizing and disturbing to bear with that smell.
We tried several methods like Incense sticks, Dhoop and Havan samagri to make the atmosphere pleasant and cozy. But, even with all resources applied together a bit of stench of the smell remained there. In spite of all these adversity we were able to live together without feeling any more bad about that smelly air. Since, we were blessed with the aroma of love and togetherness. Believe me, that was the aroma of that love and togetherness only which made all of us quite comfortable and relaxed.
Gradually, along with the passing days the entire environment was converted festive and holy. Together, all of us cherished those ten days celebrations as the best smiley moments ever of life. We were able to cope with those smelly air with the smiles of each other.
Now, it has gone many years when we have lost this opportunity. Everyone is busy now with their own responsibilities related to their jobs or studies. We are not able now to spare such time together for each other. Though, we meet each other but separately at different occasions.
Its the nostalgia which makes me gloomy while remembering those smiley faces and the everlasting fragrance of love and togetherness.
