Solemn Thoughts
A poem by Sayani Mukherjee: ‘Bring back solemn thoughts / Night’s carpe diem of mahogany sighs’
Jazz Blues
A poem by Sayani Mukherjee: ‘‘A beau of my ice cream pot / Blackcurrants and choco deep breath / Melting as the sea rushes by / Holding by the June night’
Knitted Warmth
A poem by Sayani Mukherjee: ‘The sound feels warm / A finicky sensation / Buzzing each nerve / In unison’
SIPPING LETTERS
A poem by Sayani Mukherjee: ‘where Jargons kept our brew alive and we sat cross legged with armours high up from howling screams’
In its efforts to truly understand Bengali culture, the BJP government must accept that it will gain nothing by asserting its influence over Durga Puja pandals. Any attempt to politicise and constrain their artistic freedom diminishes the distinctive flavour of the spectacle. By Sujoy Sarkar