Oooooo Ai re chutey ai, Pujor Gondho esheche…..
The Scent of Durga Puja
This is a popular song that heralds the arrival of Maa Durga. But is there a ‘pujor gondho’? Does Pujo have a smell? Definitely, yes! Certain familiar sights and smells fill the air, signalling the Goddess’s imminent arrival.
Shiuli – The Iconic Symbol
Shiuli or Parijat flowers are one of them!
As the rains subside, delicate white blossoms with orange stems carpet the ground each morning. These and the Kaash flowers are the floral symbols of the festival’s countdown.
Early Memories of Shiuli
My earliest memories of Shiuli are tied to our ancestral house in Asansol, West Bengal. A huge sprawling house built by my maternal great-grandfather boasted a magnificent Shiuli tree in its garden. In the evenings, when the power would play truant, we would assemble on khatiya outside, listening to my grandfather’s tales of Pujo and Shiuli. Each morning, he’d rouse us with the task of collecting the fragrant flowers in small bowls.
A Childhood Haven in Asansol
The elusive Shiuli flower blooms only under the cover of darkness, and falls off at the first sight of light. It was a prized treasure. We cousins would race to collect as many flowers as possible and then use them to create fragrant garlands for Durga Puja. The Shiuli tree was the backdrop to countless childhood squabbles and joyful moments among cousins.
A Unique Art with Shiuli Flowers
Our maternal grandmother shared with us a unique art using the Shiuli flower. By squeezing the orange stems, we could extract a natural dye that would colour our handkerchiefs. We’d spend countless hours sitting in the sun, squeezing the extract and creating intricate patterns on our fabrics.
A Sense of Tranquility
The mild fragrance of the Shiuli flower makes it precious. To be greeted by its sweet fragrance each morning was a delightful experience. The presence of a Shiuli tree in the courtyard brought a sense of tranquillity and divinity.
Caterpillars: The Price of Love
Unfortunately, the Shiuli tree’s greatest drawback is the caterpillars that infest it. Our love for the Shiuli tree came at a cost. It meant enduring the presence of these colourful pests, ranging from tiny to large, as they crawled around our home. An accidental brush against one could result in a painful itch and inflammation that would linger throughout the Puja holiday. Hence if a Shiuli is nearby, can a caterpillar be far behind?
The Mystical Flower
As a child, I was always intrigued by the mystery surrounding the Shiuli flower. She blooms in the dark when the world is asleep in dreams. No one witnesses this beautiful flower on the tree, and then, as the first light appears, it gracefully falls to the ground.
Is she suicidal, or is she simply sacrificing herself? Why can’t she be like other flowers, blooming in the light and fading away with it?
No! She chooses to be unique, takes ‘the road less travelled’ and decides to get lost in ignorance.
A Forbidden Love
There’s a legend associated with this flower. It is said that Princess Parijat fell in love with Surya, the Sun God. However, he had one condition: she would never turn away from him. Parijat agreed without hesitation, unable to imagine turning away from her love. They married in autumn and before they knew it, winter and spring had passed. During the summer, when Surya’s power reached its peak, it became challenging for Parijat. She couldn’t risk going near him as it would be fatal.
One afternoon, Surya unexpectedly appeared before her. Parijat flinched momentarily. That enraged Surya and his powers intensified. Parijat wilted. Surya realized his mistake and sought the help of the Gods. Parijat’s love for Surya was well-known. The gods granted her eternal life as a tree. It is believed that Surya visits his beloved at night. The fragrant flowers testament to their sacred union. But as the day breaks, these delicate flowers fall, unable to withstand the sun’s rays.
The Parijat, or Shiuli is deeply revered. She signals the arrival of Sharad and the commencement of Sharadotsava, or Durga Puja, a time for all Bengalis to leave their worries behind, purify their lives, and celebrate.
A Personal Reminder of Loss
For me, Shiuli is a reminder of an idyllic childhood. The ancestral house in Asansol, where I first met Shiuli, was demolished in 2010. My maternal grandfather, who introduced me to my best friend, left us in 2011. In 2013, my maternal grandmother, who taught us to appreciate the beauty of Shiuli left us. The beautiful Shiuli tree was ruthlessly cut down that same year. The last time I spent a fragrant Durga Puja surrounded by Shiuli was in 2021, the last Puja with my father.
Shiuli today is a nostalgic reminder of all the people I have lost to time!
By Sreemati Sen
Sreemati Sen holds a Masters in Social Work from Shantiniketan. A Development Professional,
she has specialized in Psychiatric Care of Differently-abled children. Years of experience in
Social and Consumer Research are also a part of her portfolio. Her stories have been featured in
various anthologies.
She can be contacted at Sreemati123p@gmail.com.
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