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January 15th, 2026
India Poetry Contest #5 – First Place
by Siddh Dutta
The five-day rituals come to an end,
When Uma departs for her heavenly home to ascend.
Her arrival, a yearly await, a cherished span –
Brings joy to her children, a moment to behold in hand.
The sky fills with the fragrance of puja's delight,
Captivating longings, calling home from distant light.
The dhak's beat signals the festive start,
Concluding days with nights that shine with joyous heart.
When Ashwin's ray touches the earth with might,
Emotions overflow, nostomania takes flight.
Home is the world, wide and far and near –
Home carries the burden, without a peer.
Each verse, each bell that rings during the offerings true –
Boldly beats the nature, hope, and desires anew.
But on the fourth night, the divine departure's call –
Leaves behind stories of another year's recall.
By the Ganges' steps, the divine immersion's sight –
Fragile hearts hide their tears, as the wind takes flight.
Before departing, the city's chaos fades –
The dhak's farewell beats echo through the lanes and shades.
Their breads may cost, their daughters and sons await –
A distant morality, a sacrifice they consecrate.
No begging, no asking, only those who can understand –
Will touch the pain, the blessings of the Lord in their hands.
With the dhak's farewell beats, I stood alone –
The rhythm dissolving in the distant hue, a memory to return home.
Notes:
Dhak – a large Indian drum.
Uma – a Hindu goddess
puja – worship
Ashwin – a Hindu god.
About the Poet
Siddh Dutta resides in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Siddh Dutta's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Comet #7, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Keywords: seasonal goodbye, sacred rites, the Departure, Uma, puja
Previously published in India Poetry Magazine:
Scales in Our Garden
by Safa Shariff
India Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
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