For Bengalis, Durga Pujo is not just a festival—it’s an emotion, a celebration of Shakti, and a time of togetherness. Writer and producer Bahnishikha Das, known for her work on acclaimed projects like Ssshhhhh Koi Hai…, Bidaai, Ranbir Rano, Godh Bharaai, Mitwa, Gulaal, Doli Armaanon Ki…, Ashoka, Maharana Pratap, Udaan, and most recently Binddii on Colors, eagerly awaits this special time of the year.
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Join Telegram ChannelSpeaking about her excitement, Bahnishikha shared, “For me, Durga Pujo is a beautiful amalgamation of worshipping Goddess Durga, celebrating feminine energy and Shakti, and rejoicing in the togetherness of families who come together over food, fun, and festivities. From Shoptomi itself, I look forward to pandal hopping and indulging in some authentic Bengali delicacies.”
She beautifully compared the tradition to the mythology, adding, “Just as the story goes that Goddess Durga visits her maternal home on Earth with her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh—we Bengalis too celebrate by visiting our nanihaal (grandparents’ or maternal uncle’s house), sharing meals, laughter, and the warmth of family bonds.”
Now settled in Mumbai, Bahnishikha fondly recalls the grandeur of Kolkata Pujo, while also cherishing the celebrations she has experienced across India. She eagerly awaits the festive buzz in Mumbai, especially the artistry of the Durga idols and the vibrant atmosphere around the pandals.
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“I can’t wait to begin pandal hopping for Darshan, dressed in Pujo finery—especially Bengal sarees—and then enjoying Bengali food stalls around the pandals. I particularly look forward to singer Abhijit Bhattacharya’s Pujo, the Mukherjee family’s Pujo started by Rani Mukherjee and Kajol’s family, and the grand celebrations in Navi Mumbai. And yes, my absolute favorite is the Bhog Khichdi at Rani Mukherjee’s pandal!”
The charm of Pujo for her lies in its sights, sounds, and fragrances. “I just love the very essence of Durga Pujo—the ambience, the Rabindrasangeet playing at pandals, the terracotta ornaments, the Bengali biryani stalls, and of course the iconic red-and-white bordered sarees that so many of us wear with pride,” she said with a smile.
When asked about her favorite Pujo memories, Bahnishikha recalled them with nostalgia: “As children, my parents would buy us new dresses for each day—from Shoptomi to Nobomi, and sometimes even one for Doshomi. Add to that the outfits gifted by relatives, and we’d end up with almost 10 new dresses every year. It was sheer joy for the little girl in me!”
Another fond memory she shared was of queuing for Bhog: “I remember standing in long queues for Khichdi Bhog prasad. Being a child, I would sneak through the crowd from between people’s knees, carrying my dabba, so I could get my family’s share first. Those little joys felt so big back then.”
Despite her busy life today, Bahnishikha continues to hold on to one cherished ritual—Bijoya r Pronaam on Doshomi: “On the last day of Pujo, which coincides with Dussehra, we would visit relatives with sweets and fish and touch elders’ feet to offer Bijoya r Pronaam. Even now, I continue this in my own way—conveying love to my parents, cooking for them, calling my elders and cousins in Kolkata, and sometimes even hosting a Bijoya treat for my friends here in Mumbai.”
