If organisers of the Durga Puja festival have discovered the art of innovation,there is no way in which Kali Puja can be drawn into the same kind of breath-taking experiments.

It is rooted in tradition with no prizes on offer from the corporate world.

The hoardings around some of the old pujas such as in Amherst Street suggest that the excitement is strong as ever. This is the place where an old rivalry spilled over into the political sphere.

The tension has subsided but the celebration is still the most awaited event of the year. Essentially, however, the puja is celebrated indoors with families having made it an annual ritual with a round of Shyamasangeet in the evening.

No one can forget the magic voice of Pannalal Bhattacharya who excelled in this form of music. But it was not so long ago that Manna Dey, who had otherwise given interesting variations to **adhunik songs, stormed into the Shyamasangeet scene with the song for Kali Puja..

The tone sustained a wave of interest that lasted several years. But to those who love to look back on their adolescent years, Kali Puja was not just about songs composed for the occasion but the burst of crackers and bombs and the festival of lights in the sky that made it a thrilling experience, especially for the young.

The **phuljhuriand **rangmashalwere the highest selling items in the market but the staggering variety of fireworks was something that kept interest alive till into the night. Problems arose when manufacturers went overboard with crackers and rockets that became a threat to safety,more so when they were moved from interiors into the streets.

Complaints were heard from sick and the aged who found it difficult to endure the ear-splitting blasts. That was when the law enforcement authorities cracked down on fireworks on public thoroughfares.

To many, it was a blessing in disguise because it meant that the emphasis shifted to lights. A row of earthen lamps or candles was the best symbol of hope that households across the state could think of to survive the distress that they may otherwise be experiencing in striking contrast to the colourful displays on the streets.

The clampdown has meant a drastic slump in the fireworks market but people have taken it in their stride while looking for other forms of entertainment.

For some reason, this festival is associated with great gambles – whether it is late night trading on the stock market or card games throughout the night. In any case, this is the day when spirits are high and generous gifts of garments, spices and sweets help to strengthen old bonds. It is a different story at Kalighatand Dakshineswarwhere the police and local volunteers do a competent job of controlling the crowd that will not go away without their share of the bhog.

Even in localities where subscriptions are still collected for the celebration, there is something on offer on sal leaves that are lapped up by the local boys.

And for families still wedded to tradition, there is always the thought of Bhai Phonta with all its culinary thrills is still inspiring. The noise of crackers may have been curbed but the blast of enthusiasm will survive.