The famous book on THAKURBARI, comprehensive, superbly researched, structured and collated with substantive evidence, is commendable to say the least. However, as Pishimoni was married into the THAKURBARI and mentioned saliently in the book, repeatedly revealed yet another ANDARMAHAL, that only I was privy to. I realise that, albeit as a senior citizen, I fully comprehended the the meaning of the statement, ‘ in my God’s house there are many mansions ‘! Needless to say the precious nuns had tried, but Pishimoni brought it to fruition.
DHUNO.
Every dusk came with its own set of rituals; while the patriarch reclined in his 4 poster bed, his day at court done, the phaeton bearer tended to the horses before leaving for the day. It was betwixt this nebulous hour of repose, and quietude, that the most unusual vignette revealed itself before my young and hungry eyes; my goal? The sweetmeats, ‘kadma’ and ‘batasha’,/(concentrated sugar and jaggery delicacies) when the evening prayers were completed.
DIFFERENCE.
With monotony of habit, the DHUNO was prepared, the ‘narkel cchobra’, ‘korpoor’ and dusty dhuno, /( dry coconut outer layers, camphor and a fragrant dust)/, planted with precision and proportion for the myriad clay holders of the sprawling old residence. Amidst the fragrance of the substances, lit and smoking, 2 things took place with unfailing regularity.
1) Ishaq, the patriarchal Man Friday, bathed and washed, sat upon his ‘jaanamaz’,/(carpet for prayer), a fine silhouette in relief against the setting orb, and drowned himself in prayer and spiritual fervour.
2)Downstairs, Aunty Alice, sitting at her altar, upon completion of the rosary, played the organ and sang; Ave Maria, comes clearly to mind.
3)The ladies upstairs, 4 generations no less, oblivious to the diverse forms of prayer within the same residence, dhuno in one hand and a ‘rudraksh’/(dried seeds procured from a plant), resembling closely the afore mentioned rosary, prayed to their Gods and Goddesses.
‘THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED BY…’
Within me the seeds of pluralism were embedded, long before it became an issue. Too old to change my ways, but too polite to voice an objectionable opinion, I know, am certain and sanguine; Pishimoni had chartered the course, it was upto me to make a choice!!!
Today, chancing upon this video clip, I know; internationally, every dance I danced with a dhunuchi, may have been flawed. My pride lies in the fact that with diligence and the immaculate guidance of my family, yet another victory is mine. I pray to the divine, for, within Him I know” in my Father’s house, there are many mansions…”
Rupa Chakravarti
