The Chaos of Gariahat

October 7, 2010

Gariahat Market, Kolkata

The moment Aritra and Katherine stepped into Gariahat, they were hit with a wall of sound—the honking of auto-rickshaws, the non-stop bargaining of shoppers, and the loud calls of shopkeepers trying to lure customers inside. The bright banners announcing "Puja Special Discounts" swayed above the crowd, while the aroma of phuchka, egg rolls, and jalebis filled the air.

Katherine, standing beside him in a simple sky-blue kurti, stared at the chaos with wide eyes.

"This is… intense."

Aritra sighed. "Welcome to the battlefield of Puja shopping. If you survive this, you can survive anything."

Before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"Aritra! Over here!"

His mother stood in front of a bustling saree shop, already carrying two shopping bags, her face glowing with excitement and determination.

As they reached her, she ignored Aritra completely and focused on Katherine.

"Katherine, esho esho! We have so much to buy!"

Aritra muttered, "This is going to be a long day."

His mother shot him a sharp look. "Yes, and you will carry everything."

Katherine laughed. "I think I'm going to enjoy this."

Aritra groaned. "You think that now."

—

Inside the massive saree showroom, the search for the perfect Durga Puja collection began.

The room was overflowing with sarees stacked to the ceiling—Benarasi, Tussar, Silk, Garad. Women sat on cushioned benches, debating over shades of red, while salesmen unfurled yards of fabric at lightning speed.

Aritra, already tired, turned to his mother. "Do we really need four sarees?"

His mother looked at him like he had personally insulted Durga Maa.

"Do you think Puja is just one day? Each day has a ritual, each ritual has a saree."

Katherine, intrigued, asked, "So which ones do I need?"

His mother smiled and pulled out selections.

1. White with Red Border — For Maha Shashti (October 13, 2010)

"This is the classic Laal Paar saree." She held up a stunning white saree with a deep red border, woven with golden threads. "On Maha Shashti, women wear this to welcome Durga Maa as she arrives. It is a must."

Katherine touched the fabric. "It's beautiful."

Aritra smirked. "And this is just the beginning."

2. Yellow Saree — For Maha Ashtami (October 15, 2010)

"For Maha Ashtami, we wear yellow." She handed over a rich golden-yellow saree with delicate zari work. "This is for the most sacred day of Durga Puja—when the Goddess's power is at its peak."

Katherine smiled. "I love this color."

Aritra whispered, "She's picking the expensive ones."

His mother pinched his arm.

3. Any Color for Maha Nabami (October 16, 2010)

"There is no fixed color for Nabami," his mother explained. "But something elegant is best." She picked a deep blue silk saree, embroidered with silver motifs.

Katherine nodded. "I like this one."

Aritra sighed. "Of course you do."

4. White with Red Border — Again for Vijaya Dashami (October 17, 2010)

"And for Dashami, the last day, you need another Laal Paar saree for Sindoor Khela." She handed over a crisp white saree with a red border, similar to the one for Shashti but slightly heavier, meant for the farewell of Durga Maa.

Katherine took it with a soft smile. "This one feels special."

His mother beamed. "It is. On Dashami, married women play Sindoor Khela, applying sindoor to each other. It's a farewell ritual, but also a celebration."

Aritra looked at the mountain of fabric and sighed. He was doomed.

—

The salesman calculated the price and smiled.

"Madam, these are premium sarees. ₹68,000 for all four."

Aritra, already prepared for what was coming, took a step back.

His mother gasped dramatically. "Sixty-eight thousand? Ei dekho! Are we buying sarees or gold bricks?"

The salesman remained calm. "Madam, this is festive season. These are the best quality—"

His mother cut him off. "Best quality? Do I look like I was born yesterday? Lower the price."

The salesman hesitated. "Madam, I will ask my boss."

Aritra whispered to Katherine, "This is an art form. Just watch."

Five minutes later, the price magically dropped to ₹45,000.

Then, just as the salesman started wrapping the sarees, his mother struck the final blow.

"And you'll include matching blouse pieces, right? For free."

The salesman sighed in defeat. "Yes, madam."

Katherine looked at Aritra in awe. "That was amazing."

His mother patted Katherine's hand. "Bargaining is a survival skill in Kolkata."

—

With the sarees secured, they moved on to the jewelry shop.

Aritra, sensing his opportunity to escape, whispered, "Can I—"

His mother grabbed his wrist. "No. You stay."

The shop was packed with women debating over gold bangles, earrings, and necklaces.

Katherine tried to pick a simple pair of earrings, but his mother had other ideas.

"These bangles are perfect for a new bride."

Aritra groaned.

Katherine, enjoying his misery, smiled sweetly. "I'll let you pick, Ma."

His mother beamed. "Good girl."

Aritra gave Katherine a betrayed look. "You've completely surrendered."

Katherine whispered back, "Survival instincts."

—

By the time they finally left Gariahat, the sun was setting.

Aritra was carrying six bags. Katherine had one small box of sweets. His mother had none.

Aritra frowned. "Wait, why am I carrying everything?"

His mother patted his arm. "Because you're my son."

Katherine laughed. "I think your mother is enjoying this too much."

His mother smiled at Katherine. "Next year, we'll take you to New Market and Hatibagan. The collection is even better there."

Aritra almost dropped the bags. "Next year?!"

Katherine grinned. "I'm looking forward to it."

Aritra groaned. Puja hadn't even started, and he was already exhausted.

But for the first time, he didn't mind it as much.