9 Statements Every Bengali Is Sick Of Hearing From Outsiders During Durga Puja
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With just two weeks left for Durga Puja, you must be all ready to gorge on the delicious Bengali food, dress up in your best clothes, get in touch with your best childhood friends, and more. If you’re a Bengali, then you know precisely what the madness of “Pujo” entails. But if you are Bengali, then you also know that there are plenty of ridiculous and outright hilarious stereotypes that non-Bengali folks have about you. For Non-Bengalis, you will always be seen as a fish-loving, “Jol Khabo-ing” liberal. And if you have friends who aren’t Bengali who’ve come to your home to celebrate the festival, then you know exactly what you have in store for you. From unnecessary questions to silly judgments and stereotypes, here are nine statements that every Bengali is sick and tired of hearing from their Non-Bengali buddies:
1. “OMG, How Can You Eat Non-Veg During Durga Puja?”
We don’t understand how eating non-vegetarian food is considered bad, but we know that some people may believe in it and don’t wish to mock their traditions. So how is it fair for them to mock ours? First and foremost, Durga Puja is very different from Navratri. Durga Puja isn’t just about idol worship. It goes much further than that. For Bengali folks, Durga Puja is a time to relax, unwind and engage in merriment. And well, we don’t see our merriment being complete without some delicious Kosha Mangsho, mutton chops, and some scrumptious fish chops.
2. “You Guys Don’t Fast For The Goddess? It’s Navratri Time!”
Why are you trying to force other people around you to fast? Everyone has a different way of praying and offering their wishes to God, and nobody has the right to judge someone for choosing to fast or simply choosing not to. Although some people prefer consuming food that is considered niramish (vegetarian), Ashtami, and Shoshti, it is still a personal choice. In the end, if you force yourself into starvation, it won’t be a good thing.
3. “You Do That “Ulu Ulu” At The Pandals As Well? It’s Too Weird, Man!”
Why is it weird? Are your native traditions weird? It’s so stupid that you would judge Bengali customs as odd when you probably have even more bizarre rituals. Moreso, who decides what’s weird and what’s not weird? “Ululudhvani”, as it is called, is actually performed all across India. It is performed in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Bengal. And during Durga Puja, we don’t usually do it. It is only done during weddings. During Durga Puja, we have a hypnotizing dance form called Dhunuchi.
4. “Aren’t You A Bit Overdressed For This Occasion?”
We wait for this festival throughout the year, so we don’t see why dressing up is a problem? Plus, now that we are vaccinated, we can actually get out and celebrate with our loved ones, and why would we ever want to miss out on that opportunity! Dressing up can uplift your whole mood and make you feel a lot better.
5. “What’s This Khichdi Thing You’re Serving During The Puja? And What’s The Sabzi You’re Serving With It?”
What’s wrong with eating Khichdi as Prasad? It’s called Bhog, and it is the yummiest vegetarian meal you can eat. You have to try it to believe it!
6. “You Guys Drink During Durga Puja? We Don’t Touch Alcohol All Through Navratri”
Yeah, we do occasionally drink since all of our families are getting together after a long time. Does that mean we deserve your judgment? If drinking like civilized folks makes us rebels, then we say, “Cheers to being rebels!”.
7. “Aren’t You Getting Bored Of Hopping Pandals? They All Look The Same Anyway!”
Do you consider art boring? No, right? Then learn to admire and appreciate Bengali art. Every Pandal has a different theme, and we aren’t really fans of plagiarizing each other’s pandal designs.
8. “Oh, You Must Be Really Fond Of Eating Roshogollas”
Yes, we love eating Roshogollas, but did you know that we have so many other sweets we adore as well? We like eating Kheer Kadam, Sandesh (pronounced as shon-desh), Kacha Golla, Rajbhog, Channar Jilapi, and Nolen Gurer Payesh. If you really want to experience the sweetness of Bengal, you must try out the many sweets that we have.
9. “Why Didn’t You Wear Your Monkey Cap, Bong?!”
We don’t wear Monkey caps everywhere we go. Us Bengalis may be humorous, but we surely are not clowns. Why would we ruin the look of our outfit by wearing a monkey cap? It’s not even going to be cold because the pandals will be so crowded.
While it’s all good to joke around with your Bong friends and tease them in good humor, you must not be outright racist. Try and understand our culture better before you sit and cast judgments on us. Do let us know all of your thoughts on this article in the comment section below!
