Well it’s that time of year, when the festival of lights – Diwali, Jashan-e-Chiraghan, Kali Puja etc, is celebrated in India. During this period, traditionally, goddess Laxmi, Ganesha or Kali are worshipped. The occasion is also marked by making purchases, lighting up the homes and bursting crackers. And in north Indian cities often take the lead. With the passage of time environmental pollution has become a huge concern. During the days leading up to Diwali as well as post Diwali, Air Pollution Index (API) tended to go up drastically in Metros & Cities. This lead to severe health problems, especially for children and grownups. In turn, State and the Central Governments imposed strict regulations and restrictions for fireworks being used. This led to some sort of relief. However, burning of stubbles by many agriculturists led to these gains being flittered away. While the limits imposed upon fireworks were an absolute necessity, it robbed many, the childish delight of lighting up crackers. Of course, the fireworks industry at Sivakasi and elsewhere also got impacted.
One cracker which is an all-time favorite is the Anar. Flowerpots, which go up in the air with a splendor of dazzling sparks. Since they typically do not have a bursting or cracking sound they are liked by young and old alike. The traditional Anars are usually put on the ground and lighted up with sparklers. The lighted Anars brighten up the night gloriously, darkness falls away and its like day for a few seconds. The ubiquitous Anar has several versions. But not many would remember that what is bought today, mostly manufactured in factories (even cottage shops) also had a more adventurous variety. Many households had mostly youngsters, who took a pride in making Anars. This was the time, when empty Anar Shells, made out of hardened Mud, especially Terracotta, with a flat base and small hole on top, were sold along with Diyas. It provided substantial income to humble potters. For potters, Diwali is a time for raking in profits. What they did not earn the whole year round, they could, in Diwali times. Needless to mention, the terracotta items were more environmentally friendly, one can scant believe that some of these shells were even re used.
Being a child growing up in a Probashi, Bengali household of Delhi, Diwali held a unique fascination. The joy of dual celebrations of Diwali & Kali Puja was manifold. One especially fascinating event was the evening Tubri (or Ghot Baji) Competition. Organized at many Kali Puja Pandas it held a distinctive piquancy of its own. For those, who are unfamiliar with word Tubri (Ghot Baji), it is the Bengali version of Anar. Ghot is an earthen pot in Bengali. Inside it has layers of gunpowder (Generally combination of Potassium nitrate, Charcoal, Sulfur and Iron particles) with some earth at the bottom. At Kali Puja pandals there were Team and Individual competitions. Every Para (neighborhood) had a popular and accomplished team/individuals and its members were regarded very highly amongst residents. For months altogether they would strategize to produce the best Tubris well in time for the competitions. Using their own unique formula/composition, manufacturing, keeping Tubris dry needed a carefully worked out strategy. They would purchase the Tubri Shells from best potters in the trade, carefully measuring the sizes ensuring that the shells lasted out the period of sparkling and not bursting prematurely. Then the team members would gather, almost as gladiators, at designated places before Kali Puja Pandals and give their best performance. A panel of experienced judges would carefully analyze the show. Based on Light Emanated, Colour, Dazzle, Height, the Period the sparkles lasted and overall performance winners were declared. Cups & Shields were handed out there and then or later in the night. A rare and exceptional demonstration was that of the Udan Tubri – Flying Anars. This could be a completion event or an exhibition one. Many of us, may not have been a witness of this version of Anar. The flying Anars made a screeching noise while in air, almost mimicking a banshee! Everyone could not use this type of Anar. It required specialized skills in making as well as usage. The size of the earthen shells of these Anars were much smaller, almost an inch in diameter. The glittering display of Tubris held a unique position in a Bengali Kali Puja celebration. Alas it is no longer fashionable and less practiced.
I also remember, one of my cousins, in his enthusiasm to manufacture Tubris and not having been given money by his parents, who in fact specifically forbade him, tried to use small Tin Pots which he had somehow obtained, as shells, instead of the traditional Terracotta shells. He carried out his pursuits in the garage and succeeded in making a good pile. Wanting to surprise all the joint family members, while they were lightening the crackers and fireworks he bent down and put a match to the wick of a Tin Pot Anar. Lo and behold, the whole thing blew up in his face and he was rushed to a general hospital. At the Willington Hospital in Delhi, his parents were told that they were lucky that his eyes were saved. He had splinters all over his lower face and forearms. He was given Morphine to lessen the pain. These wounds shortly became scabs and the pain was excruciating. This time round the nurses refused to give him morphine as it may be habit forming. He begged and cajoled to no avail. Later he struck upon a novel idea. He would sing at the top of his voice, especially at dead of night and all other patients in the general ward would complain. The sisters were forced to then administer pain killers to keep him silent! Well teens then also had their own Slay moments. The government diktats, though necessary for pollution check, has unintentionally killed few spirited skills. Indeed, Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis.….. By Sidhartha Mukherjee
