Durga Puja. 

Every year, these two words transport me back to the cherished memories of my childhood in Jagdishpur.

There’s something about the places where we grow up—they become a part of us, forever etched in our hearts.

Jagdishpur, a small town (earlier in Sultanpur and now part of Amethi district), is majorly known for BHEL and IndoGulf. But for me, it’s the Durga Puja celebrations that make it truly special.

Every year, vibrant pandals would spring up all over the town, lighting up the 9-day festival. But what I really loved was the lighting.

Long stretch of roads were lit up not only on sides but even large canopies of lights decked up entire streets. These canopies would lead to a beautiful lit gates and then another light canopy would start leading up to pandal. 

Those few evenings when my father could return home early, we’d pile onto our Bajaj scooter—me, Ma, Papa, and my brother—off on our adventure of pandal hopping.

My brother and I, as starry-eyed kids, would try to soak it all in as much as we could. Even today, when I close my eyes, I am just right there, reliving everything.  

Each pandal had a story to tell, whether inspired by everyday life or drawn from the vast treasure trove of mythology. I remember being mesmerized by the creativity—replicas of Vaishno Devi, or idols crafted entirely from cardamom or peanut shells—the ingenuity was breathtaking.

But I loved it most when Barah Wafaat coincided with Durga Puja. During those times, the entire town would come alive. Giant, beautifully lit gates to celebrate the Barah Wafaat would adorn the streets, and the glow of festivity would envelop every corner to celebrate the festival.

Often, those grand gates would lead us to yet another stunning pandal. Despite the mixing of festivals, there was just pure, communal harmony, where the town celebrated as one.

It was a perfect amalgamation of humanity, unity, and co-existence —an enduring celebration of the human spirit that has left an everlasting memory.

Some say that after Kolkata, Jagdishpur hosts the second-best Durga Puja in the country. I don’t if that’s true. But what I do know is that the human spirit, the collective joy, and the shared celebration I witnessed during those 9 days make it best for me. 

Those memories—of lights, laughter, and love —remain among the most beautiful memories of my life.

Happy Navratri everyone!