Mahissaasuramardini - in the kitchen!
This project began as a concept for a website background for Mike. You see, Mike is a chef extra-ordinanaire ! And a food stylist... and a huge portfolio that is forever expanding with the years!
And yet, I could not bring myself to make it without the traditional aspect of Maa Durga, !!
There is something about growing up as a "probashi bangali" or an expat Bengali and being woken up to the strains of the Mahisasuramardini on a LP vinyl in the wee hours of Mahalaya, the first of the ten days that marks the traditions of Durga Puja.
Ayi Giri Nandini Nandita-medini Vishva-Vinodini Nandini-nute
Giri-Vara-Vindhya-Shiro-Adhi-Nivaasini Vissnu-Vilaasini Jissnu-Nute I
Bhagavati He Shiti-Kannttha - Kutumbini Bhuri-Kuttumbini Bhuri-Krte
Jaya Jaya He Mahissaasura-Mardini-Ramya-Kapardini Shaila-Sute II1II
It was a rite of passage almost! Not sure whether that really imbibed into my psyche as much as remained as a memory! I am not much given to traditions and rituals, but growing away from these traditions which most resident Bengalis take so seriously, is a mixed bag of emotions and a fair share of detachment for me! ?I still love chants and the sound of the "dhaak", the traditional drums associated with the celebrations..... I guess for me that is the essence of the Durga Pujas.
But coming back to the Dashabhuja or Mahisasuramardini in the kitchen project.... the inspiration came from Devjani's Facebook profile pic! A silhouette! The end result is that it reminds of watching Mum in the kitchen, as she rushed about cooking up a veritable storm!!! Time and again!
Hope I have done it justice!
Love you Maani!
Anin
