Durga Puja is almost upon us. The weather has begun to turn cooler, as it does at this time of year. Yet, much like last year, there is a strange sense of worldly melancholy in the air, a heaviness that seems to have settled over everything. Nepal has already been ravaged by a devastating natural calamity. The land of the Buddha has been torn apart by catastrophic floods caused by melting glaciers. Thousands of lives have been swallowed by water, mud and silt.

 

     Such a horrifying disaster is something we have rarely witnessed in recent times. The global warming that humanity once confined to intellectual discourse is no longer an abstract warning. It stands before us, sword in hand, as the Earth moves inexorably towards destruction. But whose hand wields that sword? Who is this demon? When did humanity last witness such a terrifying dance of death? And this is not the only face of death. In the twenty-first century, death has assumed many forms. In the conflicts of the Middle East, too, we are witnessing its many manifestations, a grotesque spectacle of suffering and destruction that sends a shudder through the very fabric of our being.

 

    Whether through war or nature, humanity finds itself increasingly helpless before forces beyond its control. And so, in the truest sense, we are not well. Yet, amidst all this darkness, Mother will come. She will come, as she always does, at the appointed hour. She is our faith, our refuge, our source of strength and the inexhaustible energy within us. She must come. This year, we invoke Maa Durgatinashini, the Mother who vanquishes suffering. May She protect Nepal and this fragile world we call home. May She bring an end to this endless procession of death and despair. May Her Abhaya—the assurance of fearlessness—become a blessing that breathes new life into this wounded Earth. May nature find peace. That is the prayer we shall carry with us this Durga Puja and let us end with Nepal.

 

    This year, alongside our Durga Puja celebrations, we have resolved to do something for the people of Nepal who have been devastated by this catastrophe. We will organize a relief effort and send our collective contribution to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund of Nepal. We sincerely appeal to you to stand with us in this endeavor and offer whatever support you can. Every contribution, however modest, can become a meaningful gesture of compassion and solidarity towards those who need it most. And finally, come and celebrate Durga Puja with us. Bring your family and be part of these three days of devotion, celebration and togetherness.

 

                         The Puja will be held on the 16th, 17th and 18th. We look forward to seeing you there!