Pather Panchali

                                                                           BY

                                                     Bibhutibhushan Bandhopadhyay

It is a story of a young boy named Apu and his life in a small village in West Bengal. He is born to a poor Brahmin family. His father Harihar’s life is simple and uncomplicated. Except for the usual ups and downs that go with lack of money. He cannot earn enough to keep his family going. There are total four members in this family, Apu’s father, mother Sabojaya, sister Durga and the most loveable character is that of their aunt  Indir Thakrun, an old, cynical, loving and storytelling aunt. 

 Durga always steals guavas from neighbor’s orchards. Sarbojaya has to bear the taunts of her neighbors as Durga always steals fruit from their orchard. Durga cares for Apu with motherly affections. Together they enjoy the simple joys of life like sitting quietly under a tree, running after the candy man who passes through the village and watching a jatra (folk theatre) performed by a troupe of actors. As Durga and Apu grew older they spent most of their time roaming about the countryside, climbing trees, looking for wild fruits and flowers, watching birds and rabbits, watching trains, splashing in ponds and rivers. They were happy in their own way. They share an intimate bond.

 Being unable to earn well Harihar decides to travel to the city to get a better job and he makes a promise to Sarbojaya that he will return with money to repair their shabby house. During his absence, the family faces the toughest time. One day during the monsoon Durga gets drenched for long and catches a cold and develops a high fever. There is no money for medicine or even proper food. Without a proper medication, the fever becomes worse and on a stormy day, she dies. Harihar returns home and discovers that Durga is no more. The family decides to leave their village in search of a new life in Varanasi. Apu and his parents leave the village on an ox-cart.