A Mother's Longingএক মায়ের আকুলতা
High up in the Himalayan mountains lived the goddess Parvati — also known as Uma — with her husband Lord Shiva and their children: the elephant-headed Ganesh, the brave warrior Kartikeya, and even Lakshmi and Saraswati who were part of the divine family. Uma's mother, Menaka, and father, the Mountain King Himavan, missed their daughter terribly. Every day, Menaka would look up at the distant snowy peaks and whisper, "When will my Uma come home?"
In those ancient days, just as today, married daughters would live with their husband's family. But the bond between a mother and daughter can never be broken by distance.
মেনকা প্রতিদিন হিমালয়ের চূড়ায় তাকিয়ে ভাবতেন — "আমার উমা কবে ঘরে ফিরবে?"
The Autumn Visitশারদীয় আগমন
Every autumn, when the skies turn bright and the kashful (white pampas grass) sways in the breeze, Uma would come down from Mount Kailash to visit her parents. And she wouldn't come alone — she'd bring her whole family! Little Ganesh with his love of sweets, brave Kartikeya on his peacock, and the family's animal companions too.
Menaka would prepare for weeks — cleaning the house, cooking Uma's favourite dishes, buying new clothes for the grandchildren. The whole village would celebrate, because when Uma came home, joy and prosperity came with her. Drums would beat, conch shells would blow, and everyone would sing songs of welcome.
"আশ্বিনের শারদ প্রাতে বেজে উঠে আলোক মঞ্জীরে" — শরতের সকালে আলোর নূপুর বেজে ওঠে উমার আগমনে!
Four Precious Daysচারটি মূল্যবান দিন
Uma would stay for just four days — Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. Each day was filled with love, laughter, and celebration. Menaka would fuss over her daughter, making sure she ate well and rested. Himavan would sit proudly, watching his grandchildren play. The whole family would gather, share stories, and create memories that would last until the next visit.
But as with all visits, the time would fly by too quickly. On the fourth day, Dashami, it would be time for Uma to return to Kailash.
সপ্তমী, অষ্টমী, নবমী — প্রতিটি দিন আনন্দে ভরা। কিন্তু দশমী আসে বিদায়ের দিন হয়ে।
The Bittersweet Farewellমিষ্টি-তেতো বিদায়
On Vijaya Dashami, the day of farewell, every eye would fill with tears. Menaka would hold Uma close, not wanting to let go. "Come back soon, my daughter," she would whisper. Uma would promise to return next year, and with her children beside her, she would begin the journey back to the mountains.
This is why, during the immersion ceremony (Bisarjan) on Dashami, Bengali women apply sindoor (vermilion) to the goddess and to each other, with tears and smiles both. It is a farewell to a beloved daughter, with the promise that she will return. And this is the beautiful heart of Durga Puja — it is not just about a goddess defeating a demon. It is about a daughter coming home, a mother's love, and the joy of family reunion. Every Bengali family sees their own story in Uma's homecoming.
এই জন্যই দশমীতে সিঁদুর খেলা হয় — উমাকে বিদায় জানানোর আবেগ আর পরের বছর ফিরে আসার প্রতিশ্রুতি।
The Lessonশিক্ষা
Family bonds are sacred. No matter how far we go, the love of home always calls us back.
পারিবারিক বন্ধন পবিত্র। আমরা যতই দূরে যাই, বাড়ির ভালোবাসা সবসময় আমাদের টেনে আনে।