Kolkata is an emotion. Durga Puja is a sentiment. Put them together and you have a heady concoction of fervour and peace that will keep you elated all year round. Maybe that’s why it’s called the City of Joy. Maybe that’s why you can leave the city (except for that stubborn little piece of your heart that refuses to budge) but it will never leave you. Once you’re associated with Calcutta, it will keep calling you back and you will keep relenting.
I may not live there anymore but in my words, spoken and written, you will find the fragrance of Kolkata and the sweetness of Pujo. Here are a few short stories – or snippets, if you please – that you’ll relate to if you’re a Bengali, Calcuttan or both.
–
What gives you goosebumps?
“Horror stories!”
“Freezing winter mornings!”
“The dhaak announcing Her arrival. Maa eshe geche!”
–
“Pick one! The scent of Shiuli phool, dhunuchi or mishti?” he asked.
“The sweet fragrance of homecoming for Durga Pujo,” she smiled.
–
“No seats available on any flight,” she sighed. “Guess I can’t go home this year.”
“Booked your ticket beta, see you soon,” dad texted.
“Thanks, Durga Maa, I know that was you!”
–
“I want to travel the world. Make memories. Share heart-stirring stories! But where do I begin?”
“With experiencing Durga Pujo in Kolkata.”
–
“Name one experience that is heart-stirring and soul-soothing at the same time.”
“Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata.”
–
Don’t take my word for it – head on over to the City of Joy to know why it earned its monicker!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with RRE Studios and ShowCase Events.
Lovely to know about the memories from your Durga Pooja in Kolkotta. Over here many Bengali families get together and make Durgotsav a huge event for several days. It’s lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Cindy! Celebrating Pujo is an absolute delight, whether you’re in Bengal or away, whether you’re Bengali or not ❤
LikeLike
Heard a lot about Durga Pooja of Calcutta but never visited the city. Waiting to do Mata Durgas darshan atleast once in the city of joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
you must 🙂
LikeLike
Being in Calcutta during Pujo is a long cherished dream. You beautiful post has made me want to make it a reality. Loved reading this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I cannot possibly understand the right emotions behind it but your post reminded me of many Kolkata pujo videos I’ve seen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lived in Calcutta when I was newly married. I can relate to all that you have written. Nothing compares to the Durga Pooja in Calcutta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, it’s wonderful to learn that we have a common Kolkata connection! 🙂
LikeLike
I so wish to attend Pujo once
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard a lot about the Durga Puja in Kolkata.I was there last year for one month but didn’t get to go out much due to Covid. So Durga Puja is high on my bucket list. I would just like to know how you navigate through the crowds? I am afraid of crowds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The crowds are difficult to navigate, to be honest. Pandal hopping is best done on foot because cars can be stuck in traffic for hours! Any effort is worth it in the end. Hope you get to visit soon once the pandemic alleviates!
LikeLike
What a beautifully done up post. Those nano tales about Kolkata are so endearing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kolkota has been on my itenary since long and your post has just given me the much needed motivation. Im a fan of eveything Bengali, right from the authors, to actors to your sweets, Durga Puja has been on my mind since ive seen the movie ‘Kahaani’, will hopefully turn my dream of visiting the ‘City of Joy’ into reality soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy to have found a fan of all things Bengali in you. That’s what I call myself! Hope you get to visit soon, ideally during the Pujas!
LikeLike
As a half Bengali, i’m sad I’ve never experienced proper Durga Puja but it’s on my bucket list to do very very soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get the chance to visit soon!
LikeLike
There is alot of depth with Durga Pooja and if im not mistaken they wear the red and white saree same time right. Its lovely to see everyone participating and celebrating
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, on the 10th day the ladies wear a ‘lal paar shaada saree’ and smear sindoor on one another, it’s called Sindoor Khela!
LikeLike
I have been to West Bengal during Durga puja and loved the whole vibe. I think if one has not been their, they have missed something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I ve heard a lot about Kolkata and the Durga pujo celebration. I hope I get there one day
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your snippets kashish, and your love for the pujo is so evident in each of those snippets, in each line n in each word. Even I have this wish to visit Calcutta during that time cuz although I am from WB, I have hardly seen the ‘city of joy’
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, really? You’re from Bengal? How wonderful! Please do try to make a trip there soon. You’ll love it 🙂
LikeLike
yes I’m from Darjeeling 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have visited Kolkata once but not during Durga Pooja. I want to visit it during the festival to experience the lights and pandals and enthusiasm and ambience. Your snippets of your memories are so sweet. We all have memories of our own hometown during such festivities which we cherish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, you absolutely must visit even if it’s not during the Pujas! It’s wonderful. 🙂
LikeLike
I miss Kolkata. I don’t live there. No one from my family lives there anymore. But yes truly once you have been there you’d love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely, I’ve moved out a few years back but I’d say, my heart still lives there!
LikeLike
I haven’t lived in Calcutta much. But your post reminds me of Agartala. The Puja season was magical there. Pandal hopping, the food. Thanks for sharing the memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I’m sure the Eastern half of our country is similar in many ways!
LikeLike
Durga Puja is an emotion for Bengalis. I can relate with these short stories. So many memories associated with this festival and Kolkata.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Truly a one-of-a-kind experience one can have. Durga puja in Kolkata is just magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have a friend from Kolkatha she keeps on telling me about this festival and how the whole of kolkata is lighten up
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t been to Kolkata yet, I wish to visit Kolkata during Durga Pujo, I hope it happens soon. Would love to hear “Maa eshe geche”
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely! 🙂
LikeLike
Love your passion for the subject!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Noor ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cannot wait for Durga Puja this year. Every year is better than the last! Kolkata has tied me down! 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person