Vrindawan widows ignore Hema's "outsider" remarks, embark on a trip to Kolkata

LUCKNOW: Days after the alleged controversial "outsiders" remark by the actor turn politician Hema Malini, at least five dozen widows living in Vrindavan, virtually unfazed by the statement of the Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament are packing their bags to go West Bengal to celebrate Durga Puja, this time.

Despite the annoyance and debate over the justification of Local MP's remarks that "Widows from Bengal and Bihar shouldn't crowd Vrindavan," the widows living in the five ashrams of Vrindawan are excited to go home after several decades.

Ninety five-year-old Kanak Lata Devi is landing on her native soil after 40 years to enjoy the festivity at Kolkata. She is excited to see the iconic Howrah bride and Tram ride during week-long Kolkata trip. Five widows will fly to Kolkota on September 25, while the rest of the 50 widows are reaching Howarh by train from New Delhi on September 23.

Around 50 widows had attended Durga Puja celebrations last time, and a new batch of as many widows in their 80s will have the privilege this time. Festivities will unfold all around when they reach Howarh station on September 26 morning, as preparations are afoot to extend them a warm welcome on their arrival at the railway station.

Drums of traditional Dhaki and blowing of Shankha (conch shells) will mark the occasion and it will be flowers all the way as flower petals would be used to welcome them. "Their trip to Kolkata is an effort to infuse some joy and sense of belongingness in their lives. They are going back to the land of their ancestors," says Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International.

Sulabh looks after 1,000 Vrindavan widows. "It is not just a Puja tour for them. They will go back to their roots. It is a journey down the memory lane," said Pathak, and added that the visitors will go to Kumar Toli to see for themselves how life is breathed into the clay idols of Goddess Durga of world repute.

Apart from visiting Puja pandals, these widows have a plan to visit famous Kali Bari besides visiting Victoria Memorial and Chowringhee.

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