Ras Mancha in Bishnupur.

I have always wanted to avoid Holi. I don’t like the idea of smearing unwashable paints and throwing gulaal (or abir) on people. In my younger days, I had a harrowing time trying to wash off the colours, often resulting in bleeding pimples and boils all over my face. So, while my friends and family enjoy Holi to the hilt, I prefer to remain indoors.

Last Holi, I decided to be away from Calcutta for a day or two. But again, I could never go on a holiday without my friends. I wondered if they would be game for an outing instead of playing Holi at home. Everyone jumped at the idea, just as I had thought. But my wife Mithu, a hardcore Holi enthusiast, made it a point to stash away some abir and all sorts of colours in her luggage.

Our trip was more or less uneventful till we landed up at the Bishnupur forest rest-house. It’s a wonderful bungalow with three bedrooms and a huge living room. The enclosed compound had ample space to park a dozen cars. Lots of trees and shrubs dotted the area. The bungalow cook was an expert in Bengali delicacies. We spent the first evening at the bungalow. I spoke to the DFO (divisional forest officer) and learnt about the forest conservation activities being carried out there.

The next day was Holi. I was lounging on a sofa when I heard a scream outside and I knew that the revelry had begun! I stayed away for a while and after assurances from everyone that I would be spared the ordeal, I ventured out. I even took their pictures. I was glad that they kept their word.

That evening, we took a walk into the Sal forest. Suddenly the sky turned dark with clouds. There was lightning and thunder, too. We turned around and started walking back to the rest-house but it had started pouring already. We reached the rest-house completely drenched. It was the first shower at Bishnupur in many months, much to the joy of the forest staff.

Jor Bangla in Bishnupur.

The next day we packed our bags and loaded our car. We wanted to drive up to Bishnupur town and take a look at the world-famous terracotta temples. It’s just awe-inspiring! We were left speechless. The Ras Mancha and the Jor Bangla are masterpieces. Really, if you haven’t seen the terracotta temples of Bishnupur yet, do try and make it. It was my third trip to Bishnupur but I would love to go there again.

P.S.: There was a small mishap on our way back. I never expected the tubeless radial tyres of our car (Tata Spacio Gold) to tear to shreds, but one of the wheels did. It must have been a manufacturing defect.

(Next week: Feluda flees to north Bengal during Durga Puja 2009)