The Sentiments of 'Adda' in Bong life !
'Robibar r Shokal' ( Sunday morning in Bengali ) with a cup of tea, eyes are glued to the newspaper searching for the latest news on political turmoil in neighboring states , upcoming election stats or rather a crisp analysis on electrifying performance of Indian female cricket team in the world cup final match ensues a vibrating holiday mood in a typical Bong household. No hurry like other days , no rush to reach office or school on time but a lazy start towards a peaceful break longing for a much awaited 'Nirbhejal' ( unblemished & unadulterated ) 'Adda' session.
During my growing up years in Kolkata , I saw elders spending hours in 'Pada - r Rock ' , a so called small sitting place in a living community debating on who is the best finance minister of India so far , Manmohan Singh from Congress or someone else , the best athlete India has produced so far , why Indian players are not able to clinch top positions in Olympics ( this is before Neeraj Chopra's magnificent Gold medal win in Olympics ) , Mohan Bagan vs East Bengal ( renowned football teams based out of Bengal ) , Rekha vs Hemamalini ( distinguished actors of Hindi Cinema ) , Communist Parties vs Rightists , Arsalan Vs Haaji ( Famous Biriyani outlets of Kolkata ) , Tea vs Coffee and what not ! The list goes infinite . The topic is not important but more focus is on how one establishes with one's POV , articulating thoughts with soft skills and emotion both . Here logic is important but at times it is overpowered with emotion we call it as 'Bangalee- r Abeg' meaning Bong emotions eagerly waiting for an appropriate communication channel, sometimes leading to emotional outburst . So at times, it might appear to be more outrageous but finally ending up with a cordial note - 'Bhai , abar dekha hobey agami Robibar, abar bosha jak ' ( Read - 'Bro , see you next week , we will continue our discussion ' ).
This is the essence of a typical Bong adda session. Just pouring ones heart out with logic , a bit of emotional melt down , a little or profound awareness on the subject matter and sometimes hour long debate for / against the forum.
I remember our favorite hangout spot , 'Green Bench ' in my college. Those who have studied/are studying in St. Xavier's College in Kolkata might be already aware of this famous Adda spot . Adda is not always talking or debating on a burning topic , it is also immersed in musical waves and Guitar . In every session , we can find at least one person who sings well or can play a Guitar . Humming on nostalgic songs by Kishore Kumar , R. D . Burman or Shreya Ghoshal ( just to name a few ) or strumming a guitar with the tune of 'Country Roads , Take me Home' , 'Sleeping Child' by MLTR , and last but not the least , our beloved Bangla Rock Band .
' Ek J Holud Pakhi ' - a melodious , heart warming rendition by Cactus ( Bangla Rock Band ) , 'Nilanjana' by Nachiketa or 'Ek Cup Cha e Ami Tomak Chai' - romantic Bengali songs paving the way of trend setting movement of modern Bengali songs are all integral part of Bengali adda , when the participants of Adda session tuning in a warm musical ambience all together .
Music , books and Films are all the essence of these hour long sessions. In general , people from Bengal and even 'Probashee Bangalee' ( people originally from Bengal but based out of somewhere away from Bengal ) are avid readers of Books , Novels and they enjoy watching Movies. Not necessarily it has to be always Bengali Books/Novels or Bengali Cinema but the interest spreads across English translation of Books from other states , Novels originally written in English or Hindi / English Movies. In this context , we must mention Calcutta Film Festival which has been happening since long in one of the prominent cultural hubs of Kolkata - 'Nandan' .
This kind of craze for good movies is not confined to the young generation only but all across generations . I still remember , our parents used to study Indian / Foreign movie section very minutely during Kolkata International Film Festival ( popularly known as KIFF ) and used to watch those movies they might have read good reviews previously. So no chance to leave such golden opportunities. I, myself, got to watch a few Charlie Chaplin movies in one of those screenings in Kolkata Film Festivals, one of them being 'Modern Times' , topping my list since then.
Watching a good movie has been a pleasant experience indeed but more exciting it is to discuss the impact with friends keeping film director's hats on ! So the whole process of film making appears to be our cup of tea ( Read Bong community ) , it is just the fact that Film producers might not have had enough confidence on us and we had to give it a miss 😂😂. So the individual film making expertise remains limited to the confines of Adda sessions. In Addas, we are the star performers though , each and every individuals brimming with good potential in this perspective while savoring the taste of green chilly in Kolkata Roll at the onset of November chill in the air while sitting on the stair cases of 'Dakshinapan' , or around 8B Bus stand in Jadavpur , or at Indian Coffee House in College Street or a string of College Canteens , remarkable Bong style Adda spots in Kolkata . This has now evolved much beyond Indian Coffee house or college canteens adding vibrant cafe culture in the heart of the city like 'Roastery Coffee House ' or similar Cafe Corners.
Not that we understand all nitty-gritties of film making like a director / producer . But in our imagination, we tend to play the role virtually ! That way, every Bong household has at-least one thoughtful film critique and by default happy they are ever ready to initiate discussions on films or books closer to our heart 😋😋.
Bengali Adda is never complete without 'Pet Pujo ' , going hand in hand with Durga Pujo or any other Pujo event or even regular , informal get together. Since ages, we, the Bong souls are extremely passionate about food , rather intricacies of good food in an attempt for a memorable trip in this gastronomic paradise. As they say, 'the easiest way to get into a man's heart is through his stomach' , I would like to give it a twist. Rephrasing , the easiest way to get into a man or woman's heart is through his / her stomach, Bong community dedicatedly stands by this . Not necessarily , there has to be something luxurious or something very special , we do enjoy and find solace in the simplest 'Jhal Mudi ' ( Masala Mudi with a pinch of Mustard oil ) , 'Aloo Kabli ' , 'Bhel Puri ' , Samosa with a cup of tea or rather typical Kolkata style Panipuri . While focusing on a pressing issue at hand in a 'Jomjomati' ( read happening ) Adda , 'Ek Bati Mudi ' ( one Katora full of Masala Mudi ) instigates one with more zeal making the discussions more thrilling and intriguing . Additionally , if there is a chance for a deep dive in aroma of Kolkata Katti Roll or Fish Fry ( Famous Bong starter ) , the discussion continues longer and might end up with Arsalan Biriyani.
Just a point to catch here . Adda and food go on in parallel , intricately impacting each other in its duration, discussions and off course substantial value add to Bong life. Not that , we always talk sense but a little more huddling in beating around the bush , just to receive a feedback - 'Bhat Bokish Na' implying a little bit of illogical , insensible discussions / talks we are indulging in . Albeit, we do debate , accept or deny feedback but do never quit the game. This is the corner stone of Bong souls . We long for it and time and again just jump in there for an invigorating , fizzy moments of Adda vibing with its signature charm going beyond the limit of age or time.
A good company of friends, near & dear ones , tea, coffee , conversations over the weekend gateway motivate us together to start off with a new week from Monday, next week . I feel myself lucky to be a part of such a close knit circle. Our Adda sessions Zindabaad !!
Signing off with a typical Bong remark after a potful & heartful of Adda blending company & conversations together - 'Ultimate' 😃😃
******* End *******
Dear Friends,
Thanks for taking time out reading my Blog.
Picture Courtesy : Google Pics and Pixabay
