Presenting the mysticism of Puri Jagannath temple, Author Lippi Parida, in her novel If the Blue Lotus Sings talks about the tale of forbidden love. Award winning writer Manoj Das launched the novel here recently.
Responding to questions and addressing the audience, the author shared her experience of writing about the legend of Lord Jagannath of Puri. “Observing the rituals performed in Jagannath Temple is a unique experience. I witnessed the famous rath yatra at Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri that took place in 2015, which is held once in 19 years,” she said.
Based on Nabakalebara
Ms. Parida added that the novel is based on the phenomenon of the Nabakalebara. “Nabakalebara is the symbolic recreation of the four deities in wooden forms at the Jagannath temple. Something unusual happened that year and it was this experience which enticed me to write the novel,” she said.
Inspired by blue lotuses flowering in her lily pond, she has weaved the story If the Blue Lotus Sings setting the novel in the 12th Century in the town of Puri. “I want the readers to find out what the blue lotuses stand for,” she said.
When asked whether she faced any writer’s block, she said that she wrote continuously for over two years. “Everyone experiences a block. We have to stop and take a break before beginning again. This will help,” she said.
Consul General of France in Puducherry Catherine Suard, Chief Secretary Manoj Parida, Jipmer Director Dr. S.C.Parija, Development Commissioner G.Narendra Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Ranjan were present.