However, arriving in Calcutta on the evening of Durga Puja unaware of the festival has a similar connotation. As I bounced from fully booked hotel to fully booked hotel, I was simply astounded at the booming tourist industry in Calcutta.
It was only the next day, when thousands of hastily erected temporary temples emerged throughout the city that I twigged that something might be afoot. And, my dear Watson, my suspicions were confirmed with a series of light and magic shows the following evening. The excitement was palpable, akin to when Westlife (or some other newfangled Western band) come to town.
However, the most significant activity at this time seems to be that everyone in the city goes shopping. So, nothing like Christmas then.
So, I strolled to see a show with the two German girls (no comments, please) with whom I was traveling at the time. On seeing our attractive (comments, please) white faces, the three of us were physically hauled to the front of the stage. The lead singer / MC / announcer then proceeded to pay a ten minute homage to the three of us, guests at this auspicious time: "Like three colours of the Indian flag, there are three of you", he gushed. I cringed.
Alongside this, there was some of the most bizarre street puppetry that I have ever seen. I'm not sure of the religious significance, but there was an electric Elvis whose sole show was to thrust forward his nether regions continuously. And a man with an oxygen mask seemingly dying.
In other news I have joined Mother Theresa's mission for a few days helping sick and disabled people on the streets of Calcutta. Every morning I sing happily to Jesus and then go out and do the Lord's work. Or something like that.
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