Dibyendu Choudhury

Burdwan is a lovely Indian town where I was born. It's in the state of West Bengal. It was the district town back then. Located at least two hours from Calcutta, the largest cosmopolitan city in the eastern region of India and the capital of the East India Company, this township is notable for being the home of the Royal Family of the Burdwan King. However, the King's Castle and the surrounding area were more widely recognized for the University that was located there. This temple was known as the Sarbya Mangala Kali Bari. My grandparents were devotees of Sri Mamani Ma, the local religious Godmother, and I recall several trips to the temple with them to hear her speak. Those experiences have stayed with me. Rapid urbanization and urban migration have entirely obliterated the old-world charm of a tiny community, with celluloid having been superseded for entertainment options like watching roadside theatre.