Q - SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER 2002

SATURDAY-12 OCTOBER 2002

The morning air smelt of the festive atmosphere that is prevailing all
around.

Early morning, finished all the work very quickly, earlier than
usual.

This is the first day of the Puja's, this day is known as
Saptami.

Since morning people came in large numbers to the Puja Pandal's to
offer prayers. The priests were heard chanting verses from the
religious books. Each and every rite has to be performed very
carefully. The priests put in long hours in prayers.

I went to offer my prayers to Goddess Durga at the pandal near to my
house. The puja pandal was thronged by people, the ladies outnumbering
the men. Most of them were in their new clothes. In my city itself,
more than 90 Puja pandals are having community pujas.

It was a very busy day for me. I couldn't know when the sun finished
its travel from the east to the west. The air, the mood, is so
different from the other days.

Spent a lot of time moving around the city to see the other Puja
pandals.

A wonderful day indeed, which cruised past so smoothly. Everyone in the
family is in a very happy festive mood.

Had a late dinner. Chats, laughs, discussions, were there among
us.

Spent some time on the computer and replied to some mails. With prayers
went to bed.

11.30 p.m.