Here in Bengal, we wait the whole year for the four days of Durga Puja. The Dhaki (Dhak is a traditional sound instructed), the Phuska Olas (Panipuri or Golgappa is known as Phuska in Bengal), the policemen, and many others make our celebration possible. Today I bring a simple story in gratitude of those Dhakis; without them, Durga Puja would have been soundless. 

Little Bhola is walking through the muddy roads of his village. Bhola will catch a train for Sealdah. Bhola's father works in the fields. Every year during puja, his father plays Dhak at the Durga Puja pandal. When they reached Kolkata, the clearing outside the station was deemed with Dhakis. Bhola sees the big buildings of the city with astonishment. Bhola's father started playing the Dhak. Bhola is slapping a wooden hammer in a Kansor (a Brass made traditional music instrument). Organisers thronging the station premises for dealing with Dhakis.

Bhola's father settled the deal with a puja organizer. Now they headed to the city suburb. Bhola, holding his father's hand, reached the puja pandal. The little boy sees the Devi idol with broad eyes. Bhola bows his head. Devi Durga was standing above her vehicle, a lion. The daunting demon was at her feet. On the left side, the idol of Lord Ganesh was standing with Goddess Laxmi by his side. On the right, the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, was standing with her brother Kritakaya.

In the evening during arati, the lights of the lamps illuminate the face of the mother goddess. Bhola's face brightens up to see the smile of the divinity.

In Ostomi, devotees huddled for Puspanjoli. Boys wear punjabi and ladies in sarees. Bhola murmured the mantras each time the Brahmin recites the slokas. 

Bhola unabashedly looks at the distribution of prasads. One kind-hearted elderly woman handed one sweet to the little boy. Bhola's joy knows no bounds. 

All puja days there were arrangements for community feast. Bhola had to wait patiently for everyone to end their meal. When Bhola's time came, most of the food items were already exhausted. 

Little boys of Bhola's age play in the pandal. They were happy in new clothes. Bhola, in his ragged clothing, looks at other kids. A smile plays in Bhola's face.

At Sandhi Puja, Bhola, try to count the 108 lotuses. He learnt counting in his village school. In Doshomi, Bhola walks with others in the immersion of the idols. Tears trickle down his cheek.

The day after Doshomi, Bhola and his father toured the area to collect old clothes, rice, and vegetables. Bagging all their receipts, they board the return train to their village. Bhola now became impatient to see his mother and little sister.

Thanks for reading.