Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 21:30 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Sep 20, 2026 15:52 [IST]
Window Seat
Dr.RahiMasoom Raza (1 Sept. 1927–15 March 1992) remains a colossus of Indian literature, a visionary who effortlessly bridged the worlds of Hindi and Urdu to champion the cause of composite Indian culture, fondly called Ganga-Jamunitehzeeb. His profound commitment to a unified identity is captured in his poetry, such as the verse: "What is my name, what is my identity, do not ask this of me, I am a small wave of the Ganga, do not separate me from my river." (Ganga aur Mahadev)
As we mark his
birth centenary year, we celebrate a writer whose ink defied the artificial
boundaries of language, religion, and medium.
Raza is most
widely known for penning the soul-stirring screenplay and dialogues of B.R.
Chopra’s legendary television epic Mahabharat.
His contribution
to literature is monumental. In Hindi and Urdu, he gave voice to the
marginalized, the rural, and the fractured souls of partition. His masterpiece
novel, Aadha Gaon (Half a Village), remains a definitive text on
Partition, capturing how political borders tore through the shared tapestry of
village life. Through other iconic works like Topi Shukla, Katra Bi
Aarzoo, and DilEk Saada Kagaz, he dissected identity politics with
fearless honesty. Dr. Raza's enduring legacy is his reminder that humanity and
art transcend all divisions.
Kolkata on Puja Mode
Last week I went to Kolkata for two days with my wife and
son. The ‘City of Joy’ is already in Puja mode. I landed on Ganesh Puja day.
There were huge puja pandals with different kinds of Ganapati idols. I was told
the number of Ganapati Puja pandals have increased substantially.
The shopping districts of the city were overflowing.
Gariahaat felt like an over-crowded haat. Kumartuli, where the clay
idols are made, was busy. Durga idols, in different stages of finishing, stood
there providing great opportunities for street photography.
Photo: Arunav Kundu
Silver Filigree Work of Cuttack
Known as ‘CuttackiTarakasi’ the silver filigree work of
Cuttack is a unique and fascinating art form. It's origin is not exactly known,
but evidence suggests that it gained credence and circulation during the Mughal
era.
Filigree is designed by joining pieces of silver wire of
various thickness without using mould as is done in other forms of art.
Alisha Bazar and Mohamadia Bazar area of Cuttck, are the
original hub of filigree art. Now most of them are busy in the making of ChandiMedhas
(silver backdrops) and ornaments for the idols as Durga Puja is knocking on the
doors.
A unique creation, ChandiMedhas, provides an exquisite
background to the idols during Dusshara. It is widely used in the puja
Pandals of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
Choudhury Bazar of Cuttack introduced the concept in
1957. For 35 years it enjoyed the distinction of being the only puja pandal
with a ChandiMedha. From 1991, the scenario changed. Now there are more
than three dozen ChandiMedhas .These Medhas weigh between 150kgs to 600kgs
each.
Though sometimes criticized for extravagance, the making
of the Medhas is providing the much needed engagement to hundreds of craftsmen.
