Boons of Gupi and Bagha

If you have watched Satyajit Ray's films then you must be aware of the film Gupi Gyne -Bagha Byne. These are the two characters who are ousted from their respective villages for being misfits. Gupi wants to be a singer but didn't have the training nor the talent. Bagha on the other hand wanted to be a dhol player( A dhol is a percussion instrument of India) but he too was no good at it. They meet in an unknown jungle and meet the King of Ghosts or "Bhuter Raja" who bestows upon three boons to them as per their choice. They chose the boons wisely. The first boon is food, so that they never go hungry - that was granted they only needed to clap each other's hand and wish for the food they desired and bingo! The second boon was clothes and it was granted and they would get any attire of their choice by clapping their hands. The third one was to travel far away places as both longed to travel unknown lands. The third wish too was granted. They were given a special pair of shoes , they would have to wear it and clap and say the name of the place and they would reach there chosen destination instantly - sort of teleportation power one could say. 

Well, lying in bed, unable to go out of my apartment due to the current situation I was wondering a couple of days back what if I had those 3 boons? That would have been fantastic and perfect for the current scenario. No worries of cooking food everyday and washing the dishes(the worst part really) or getting groceries wearing mask and gloves. Then travelling to corners of the world in a giffy without contact with any person thereby maintaing clear social distancing as well. 

I forgot to mention they also got an additional boon where their dream for music was also fulfilled and after receiving the boons they were master musicians. I wish I could play the violin like a maestro with such a boon. 

Incidentally, it was Satyajit Ray's birthday the day before yesterday and this was one of his earlier films based on the book of his grandfather - Upendrakishore Ray Choudhury. 

The boons he had conceived for Gupi and Bagha more than 100 years ago seems so perfect in today's world where we are restricted and confined within our homes! 

" Bhuter Raja dilo bor

Jobor jobor tin bor

1..2..3.."

A scene from the film Gupi Gyne and Bagha Byne .

Ray directing Robi Ghosh(Bagha Byne) in one of the scene in the film which released in 1969.

Survival in the times of Corona

A few years back, after watching a season of 'The Walking Dead' , me and my sister had planned what if such a situation arises someday and what would we do? Basically it's a show featuring zombies, and how the virus infiltrates the US and a bunch of people are trying to survive the pandemic. We would talk about getting the groceries and how to avoid the zombies. At the back of our minds we knew that such a situation won't ever arise. It is afterall totally fictitious.

Well this year proved that fictions do come true sometimes. The 'C' word every human in the planet is listening to everyday for atleast 10 times has thrown us into unknown territory. The Governments of all nations are grappling to protect their citizens, trying to do the best they can to save lives and for once we see a kind of cooperation among all nations which was never seen in the modern world.
The dreaded disease who shall not be named, mostly because the word is basically synonymous with death and panic, has in a strange and tragic way created a harmony in us, the human beings. This virus is an alien entity which we are fighting together.

In these tough times, when the whole world is under lockdown, a stand-still, something no one in this planet had imagined, an unprecedented situation. The only way we can survive this situation is by staying at home.The house lockdown is difficult but one can get through it if they nurture their hobbies! One can develop a lot skills during this time as there is indeed a lot of free time to spare.

Playing games when the mood is down is good way to engage the mind. Playing board games or the games available in the internet are of all categories. Games like Ludo and carrom are quite good to pass the time. Temple run is also a good game. Other games like first person shooter games , PUBG, strategy games are also entertaining. Chess online is a great idea to pass the time and engage one's faculty.

Cooking is a great pastime during our time at home. If your have not tried your hand in cooking it's a great time to start with all the free time and no home deliveries and cooks available.

The important thing in these grim and tough times is staying positive both mentally and physically!
Stay safe and stay indoor as much as possible!
Ciao!