Pehchan Kaun..Odia ya Bong??

The name is Roy..Sarba Roy. Well that was a bit filmy way to start.

I am a Bong(colloquial term for any Bengali girl/boy) from Odisha, speaking a Bengali that is often said to have an Odia influence, celebrating Odia festivals, cooking & eating a convergence of Odia & Bengali cuisines, loving Bengali Literature & Rabindra Sangeet & above all a true Cuttacki at heart.

 The flamboyant Roy joined our family name when in a comedy of errors we got it from the British.But the funny thing is that  in my childhood I used to have this vague notion that our family was related to "Raja Ram Mohan Roy", an essential figure appearing in std 6-7 history books everywhere in India, until I was corrected by my grandmom in my late teens.

Why I said a little something about my name was because no matter where I have been, the next question to me after the usual "What is your name ?" is "Ohh Are you a Bengali?" or "Ohh You're Bong Right?" or "Roy..Ummm Bengali Right?" and sometimes "Bengali..ummm u look like a malayali though". 

Then comes the analogy "Ohh Bengali meaning you love fish naa", "You must be having sweets & misti doi with breakfast also naa", "Have u read Gitanjali?","Your face resembles Goddess Durga" &  the stereotypical jokes which are sometimes not at all funny.

After the next question, all hell breaks  loose. "So where are you from?". I utter "My native place is in Khurda but I stay with my parents in Cuttack, both are places in Odisha". 

Then comes "Ohh Odisha, but u said you were Bengali Right?","So you speak Bengali or Odia at home?","Ohh so you dont have any relatives in West Bengal?", after a "No" as the answer I get a puzzled look & sometimes puckered eyebrows.

 

After a brief explanation that my family has been staying in Odisha for 4-5 generations, I summarize by  saying that "While Bengali is my Matru bhasa(mother tongue), Odisha is my Janmabhoomi (mother land)".
Its as is I have two mothers.One has taught me the beauty of Literature, Art & Music while the other has enriched me with rich heritage & culture.

Both the cultures have made me who I am.They have made me crave for Dahibara Aludum & Mangshor Jhol,enchanted me with Rabindra Sangeet & Akshay Mohanty's music, enthralled me with Durga Puja & Kumar Purnima, blessed me as Maa Durga & Prabhu Jagannath.

A Bong from Odisha can be an interesting combination, just like Poda Pitha & Misti Doi. What you get depends a lot on what you ask for.

December Love

There is an element of romance dipped in December.The cold climate,foggy mornings,warm blankets & of course the sense of comfort in one's beloved.It is also a month of breaking away.Breaking away from mundane activities,irritability,discomfort & delusions.

It is the month for the celebration of love,to find the invincible flame of love burning within us.To know that no matter what,this love shall save us from every frost bite.

During my returning from office in the evenings, I see many young lovers holding hands while moving on the road.I smile as I feel that December is a month of indulgence, it gives one a reason to hold hands.

No matter how many designer jackets, cardigans or pull overs we have, all of know deep within, that it is our sense of being loved that keeps us the most warm.

The amber street light, cold evenings, steaming momos with spicy chutneys, happy giggles, sweet nothings in each other's ears & a silent promise of being there for each other,all of this are a part of December love.

In the cold nights & streets amber,

as we hold hands & roam in the evenings of december,

I want you to remember,

that my love for you shall glow like amber forever

Coz I know that I will cease

to exist without you

as you look at me & playfully tease

I know you are me & I am you

You are the one

who chose to be mine

let the battles be lost or won

I know you are meant to be mine

In a small tear of joy

I hold all my love for you

Holding a promise that

Our love in december shall bloom in all hues.

My dear readers, hope all of you are drenched in these sudden drizzles of love in December.May it engulf all of you with the sweet times you spend with your beloved.