The Joyous Journey of Vijayadashimi: Crafting Paantikaas and Spreading Cheer!”

As Vijayadashimi, the cherished festival, draws near, the excitement in my heart knows no bounds. It’s that time of the year when tradition and creativity come together to create something truly magical. Let me take you on a delightful journey filled with curiosity and enthusiasm as I prepare my own Paantikaa, a handmade book, and celebrate Vijayadashimi like never before!

Crafting the Paantikaa

With a sense of purpose and anticipation, I gather white papers, the foundation of my Paantikaa. Carefully, I cut them into ten five-inch by two-inch sheets. It’s a crucial step, for each sheet holds the promise of a story or a verse!

Then, guided by my teacher, the skilled Maruthaiah, I deftly sew the sheets with a thick white thread, creating the pages of my handmade book. The rhythm of the needle and thread, creating something tangible from mere pieces of paper, fills me with awe!

Next, I add a touch of sophistication by cutting two pieces of cardboard, each measuring two millimetres thick, and attaching them to the book as covers. With the help of starch paste, graciously provided by my mother, the covers are secured, and I set my precious creation out in the warm embrace of the Sun to dry.

But wait, there’s more! To make it truly special, I gathered colourful materials — papers of various hues, images of lamps from magazines, and a miniature portrait of the beloved Ganesha. I chose golden paper as the base and used purple as a vibrant border. Ganesha graces the centre of the cover, radiating positivity and blessings. My handmade book begins to take shape like a masterpiece!

Adding the Personal Touch

With my heart racing, I take a fountain pen and carefully write my name and the date on the first page. Each page, a canvas for verses yet to come, is imbued with a sense of purpose and tradition.

I transcribed the ten stanzas, one for each page, just as my teacher instructed. Each word and line flows from my pen with unwavering determination, just like generations before me have done.

The Teacher’s Approval

The next day, I proudly presented my masterpiece to Maruthaiah, my teacher. Like my classmates, I eagerly await his review. He scrutinizes each page with diligence, making corrections where needed. His guidance is invaluable, shaping not only our Paantikaas but our character as well.

In the evening, he imparts crucial instructions for the grand celebration ahead. We must rise early, don fresh clothes, and gather in front of the school at 7 a.m. The excitement is palpable; my heart is full of anticipation!

The Countdown to Vijayadashimi

As the night unfolds, I find myself unable to sleep, waking up repeatedly to check the time. My mother’s admonishments and promise to wake me up at 5 a.m. barely register. When her call comes, I spring out of bed with the excitement of a child on a festive morning.

I dash to the outdoor bathroom in a whirlwind of activity, quickly brushing my teeth with Nanjangud toothpowder. A bucket of hot water, thoughtfully prepared by my mother, awaits me. I pour it over myself in haste, savouring the warmth against the morning chill. Today, I use my cherished Lux soap, a luxury reserved for special occasions.

With my body quickly dried with a towel, I dash back inside where my mother, the epitome of love and care, has laid out my crisp white outfit. As I change, she lightly applies coconut oil, combs my hair and places a red ‘tilak’ on my forehead, bestowing upon me blessings and protection.

I’m ready to embark on this extraordinary day. Still, my mother insists on fueling me with her exceptional coffee — rich with milk, a hint of coffee decoction, and the sweetness of jaggery. It’s a brew that fuels not just the body but the spirit as well.

The Journey Begins

I burst out the door and was greeted by my friend Gururaja, equally eager for the day ahead. We race to the school premises together, joining a bustling crowd of classmates. Our teacher, already present, takes a head count, ensuring we’re all accounted for.

A Joyous Tradition

Our first stop is the home of our Arts teacher, Gundu Rao, where an entire family and their neighbours eagerly await us. A short prayer is said, and then, with our teacher’s signal, we recite the first stanza with enthusiasm, our voices rising as one. The whole street becomes our audience, and neighbours flock to witness our recitation. The applause that follows is music to our ears!

Gundu Rao’s wife generously shares a bag of puffed rice, fried chana dal (pappulu), and jaggery with us. Suresh, one of our classmates, extends the bag, and we receive the delightful treats. Our teacher, Sri Gundu Rao, hands over one rupee to my teacher as a token of appreciation. This joyous ritual repeats itself at four more houses, filling our bags with an abundance of delectable eats. Our teacher’s collection grows to five rupees!

Returning to school, we eagerly unpack our bounty and share our treasures. Laughter and camaraderie fill the air as we relish the fruits of our recitations. This tradition continues for nine days, bringing new experiences and excitement each day.

The Culminating Ritual

On the tenth day, reverence descends upon us as we head to the nearby Jammi chettu, the Prosopis Cineraria tree. Our mission: to collect its leaves. Instead of reading the Pantikaa verses in the morning, we spend the evening visiting the elders in town, seeking their blessings and offering them a few Jammi leaves. Some bless us with their words, while others provide monetary blessings.

The Jammi leaves, symbolic of our gratitude and respect, bring down the curtain on the Vijayadashimi celebrations. As we return home, hearts full of joy, we reflect on the magical journey we’ve been on, the traditions we’ve upheld, and the bonds we’ve strengthened.

Ultimately, Vijayadashimi is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the unbreakable ties that bind us all. It’s a reminder that in the simple rituals of life lies the most trustworthy source of joy and connection.

So, as you prepare for your Vijayadashimi celebrations, may you approach them with the same curiosity, enthusiasm, and reverence I have shared with you in this tale. For in the heart of tradition lies a world of wonder waiting to be discovered, just as I did on that special Vijayadashimi day.

Celebrate with joy, my friends, and may the blessings of Durga be with you on this auspicious day!