Puja Special issues of Bengali magazines

Durga Pujas comes but once a year and, on this occasion, the Bengali magazines publish special issues – these are specially designed and created and those who contribute towards its success are well known authors and poets and essayists. Once in a while, there would be a newcomer and, his acceptance for seeing his name alongside the stalwarts means he has arrived. His path might have been a long and troubled one but – seeing one’s name in print in the Puja Special issue is proof of his abilities.
Incidentally, the creation of this special edition is a time consuming affair. The process begins quite early – at least six months early. The publication house decides which authors to be contacted depending on his salability.

There could be other considerations like his political inclinations. Whatever it be, the publication contacts him and mutually acceptable contracts are drawn up – the subject is also finalized as is the remuneration. And, care has to be taken to ensure that the same subject matter does not get repeated.
The general tendency is to choose a subject that would be the hottest subject of the time – like a gruesome murder or a spate of kidnappings or robberies. Then there are the politically hot topics or topics on religion or adventure or even disasters.
The permutations and combinations are mind boggling is mind boggling and, with several magazines, it becomes a near impossible task to ensure that duplication of ideas are avoided, if that is not assured, the charm of the novel would be lost.
Incidentally, there are writers who would pick a topic that no one would ever think of – he would pick a historical subject and would slog day and night in libraries digging into the past. When the novel finally makes its appearance it becomes an instant hit.
Whatever it be, getting to see one’s novels in the Puja Special issues is an achievement for any author. When I got such a chance in one of the small time magazines, I was elated. The complimentary copy that came by post went from hand to hand among my friends and they discussed its plus and minuses. (to be continued …)
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)

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