Birbhum (West Bengal): The house is under lock and key. The temple complex is deserted. Inside, there is a bare structure of the Durga idol from last year, but will the structure get a fresh coat of clay? Will the idol get that glittering paint? Mirati does not have the answers, yet.
The COVID-19 lockdown had already thrown a spanner in the plans of holding a Durga Puja, but the most famous boy of the village is very sick.
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Mirati in West Bengal's Birbhum district is the ancestral home of former president Pranab Mukherjee and he has always made it a point to be at his village home, during the Durga Puja.
The Durga Puja of 'Mukherjee Bari' (Mukherjee's house) is over a hundred years old and the entire village waits for the first beats of traditional drums or dhaks to usher in the annual autumn festival. Pranab, the son of the village, is always there to offer respects to the Goddess.
Mirati, the remote village in Kirnahar area of the district, is said due to the illness of Pranab Mukherjee, the former President, a Bharat Ratna, who has been at ease while performing some of the most challenging portfolios of the union cabinet, that of finance, defence or external affairs.
Pranab's elder brother Pijush, elder sister Annapurna and wife Shubhra, all have passed away.
It was only Pranab Mukherjee who was the prime force behind keeping up with the tradition, the Durga Puja at the Mukherjee's of Mirati.
The whole house used to come together during the five-day festivities. Villagers don't know if they will be a part of the grand feast organised on all three days for the entire village. Things are uncertain this year as Pranab Mukherjee is very ill.
"We are praying for his speedy recovery. A person like him, so pious and helpful. If there is no Durga Puja at Mukherjee Bari this year, then we will not venture out during the festive days this year," said Sadhan Saha, a resident of Mirati.
The family physician of the Mukherjee's Dr Sushovan Bandopadhyay says the entire village enjoys the Durga Puja with Pranab when he comes home.
"He used to transform into a pure Bengali when he reached Mirati. It is something to really enjoy and share," said Dr Bandopadhyay.
"When he (Pranab Mukherjee) arrived here covered with security personnel and police and many others, he was still interacting with each and every person, making them comfortable. There was no protocol. Maybe we will organise this year's Puja with all social distancing in place, but we just want him to get well," said Robi Chattoraj, the family priest.
Every person of Mirati is praying for the speedy recovery of Pranab Mukherjee and hoping to offer their prayers to the deity along with their village son.
