It is as much about food as about devotion
Comes Durga Puja, and the cities and villages of Bengal drape themselves in vibrant festive colours. The splendid blue sky, dotted with cottony white clouds, kisses the swaying wild sugarcane flowers—our beloved kash phool—painting the horizon with a promise of celebration. It is nature’s gentle whisper, reminding us that Maa Durga is on her way, and that it is time to prepare our hearts and homes for her arrival.
As the days advance, preparations shift into fifth gear. For some, it is all about pandal-hopping, charting routes to witness the most creative themes and towering idols. For others, it is about perfecting their performances—drama, dance, music, and recitals—echoing from every stage, big and small, across Bengal. Festivities spill into every corner: dressing up in new clothes, putting on makeup, enjoying endless entertainment, and indulging in spirited adda with friends and family. In the middle of all this, the kitchen often takes a back seat.
Restaurants, especially the iconic ones, are packed to the brim, with serpentine queues stretching for hours. The surge in footfall often takes a toll—service slows, ambience suffers, and sometimes the food quality slips under the weight of demand. The festive excitement can quickly turn into frustration if one is not prepared.
So, what is the best way to avoid these pitfalls? Planning your food in advance. Pre-book meals and store them at home so that after a long day of pandal-hopping, you can return to a warm plate of comfort. Many community pujas also offer food coupons—buying them early not only guarantees your meal but also saves you from last-minute chaos. Another smart choice is to rely on reputed food stalls in high-footfall zones. Just make sure to match your pandal route with mealtimes so that you can have lunch or dinner conveniently while on the move.
The essence of Durga Puja lies in balancing food, fun, and festivities. With a little foresight in planning your meals, you can enjoy uninterrupted celebrations without worrying about long queues or empty stomachs. After all, Puja is not just about devotion—it is as much about sharing good food, creating memories, and soaking in the joy that binds Bengal together every autumn.
Here’s wishing you a Puja that is truly frictionless, flavourful, and full of festivity!