Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

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Saturday, 4 October 2025

The Dance of Tradition and Conscience in Kolkata's Dashami

The Dance of Tradition and Conscience in Kolkata's Dashami

The Dance of Tradition and Conscience in Kolkata's Dashami

Kolkata, during Durga Puja and particularly on Dashami, transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues and fervent traditions. It's a spectacle I always observe with a mix of admiration and deep thought. The energy, the joy, the sheer scale of devotion are truly mesmerizing, as captured in various accounts and visual reels Instagram Reel and news coverages NDTV on Kolkata Durga Puja.

However, amidst this explosion of color and faith, I find myself drawn to a quieter, yet profoundly significant, discussion that arises each year: the traditional release of the 'neelkantha' (Indian roller) bird on Dashami. The recent news highlights a growing