nieces

Achintya has about twelve teenage nieces who looked after me on the morning of the puja. We hung out in his grandmother's room on the bed, which works as a huge sofa, while various family members and friends came and went.

I was given 'prasad' ... sweets blessed by the priests, and tea and was introduced to Sayandip, the youngest member of the house at one year old. He was passed around amongst the girls and never touched the ground once. I was very taken with his bagh impersonation, a wide open mouth, screwed up nose and a silent roar every time someone said 'bagh'.