It would have been a regular and lazy sunday that day which comes every weekend unless there is something special to cherish about. But thanks to my friend, let's call him 'L'; who planned to visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata early morning to perform pooja rituals in the temple to welcome his new motorcycle TVS Apache RTR to the family.
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| Drawing Swastika Sign prior to Bike Puja |
As we were heading towards Dakshineswar Temple from Howrah, we have already checked the normal opening and closure timings as well as aarti timings of the Kali Temple from these two reliable website sources.
He caught a Brahmin Pandit from the temple premises itself. One can find everything related to performing puja and rituals from the "Dala Arcade" building which is built inside the temple premises.
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| Inside Dakshineswar Kali Temple Area |
As soon as the pooja finished, it was time for a special sunday treat by L. Yes of course, he bought a new bike, performed rituals at temple, thereafter it became mandatory to give treat to friends for this welcome change. So we moved into the local snacks corner within the temple premises, just at the entrance gate of the temple if you have noticed. Ordered plates of 'Hing Kachori' or 'Hing Kochuri' as you call it in bengali as it is a Bengali Dish, which was served along with sweet Chana Dal(Gram Pulse). We didn't stop there as we felt it will be stupid to not to opt for 'Lencha'; a sweet bengali dessert, which I feel is the taller brother of 'Gulab Jamun'.
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Hing Kachori and Chana Dal.Note- Popular cooking ingredient 'hing(हींग)' is known as 'Asafoetida' in English. |
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| Sunday Treats for a planned Sunday Treat |
This way it became a sunday treat to cherish for life. I always recall this day whenever I see someone buying a new motorcycle. As it is mandatory to perform Vahan (Vehicle) Puja for newly purchased Motorcycles and Cars before going for a long ride on these vehicles. Just to bring auspiciousness to the new member in the family. And with such a nice spot like Dakshineswar Kali Temple, It is really impossible for Kolkata and Howrah residents to ignore these sacred holy places which have been worshipped for divinity and security since ages by most of the Hindus worldwide.