The Dol of The East: An Article by Narayani V Manapadam

The fragrance of the palash flowers wafted over the red-soiled earth. Dainty little munchkins draped in yellow sarees slowly made their way to the ground. Their hair was tied in a neat bun, and a string of jasmine flowers wound over their coiffure accorded them an adorable appearance. Not to be left behind, lovely ladies in crisp cotton sarees sauntered in. ‘Code Yellow’ dominated the theme. As it’s always been!

The mellifluous notes of a sitar drifted from a nearby loudspeaker and mingled with the incessant chattering of men, women, and children. Shantiniketan was abuzz with its Basanta Utsav, the Spring Festival of West Bengal.

Melodious voices of famous singers enthralled the visitors, as they hummed to their favorite Rabindrasangeet.

Soon, the ladies joined hands and began to dance to the music. The spectators stood in rapt attention, as the graceful moves of the dancers transported them to another world.
And then the rapturous splash of the myriad colors commenced!

Elders and kids alike smeared each others’ faces with a dried-colored powder called ‘abir’. The fun and frolic continued until everybody broke for lunch – a delectable spread of Bengali dishes.

I tucked into a piping-hot luchi and spicy aloo dom. This is the dol festival I have always loved – celebrated with grace, decency, and respect.