Being a Bengali Durga Puja has always been a special occasion in my life. I still remember my childhood days where in preparations used to start one month earlier and how we used to go on a shopping spree and would demand the latest in fashion at that time.
Come Puja and our day would typically start with fasting followed by Anjali (prayers) in the morning. It used to be a gala event in the evening with all sort of cultural programmes conducted. It used to be puja pandal hopping for one to two days to see the pratima of all the Benagli eccentric venues.
Fast forward, I am in Pune due to my current work engagements for the last 8 years. Every time during Durga Puja I used to really miss the fun fare we used to have during childhood days. This time with wife stressing to explore more from our usual 2-3 venues, I dig the internet.
To my surprise, an article in a leading English daily, I learn that there are more than 10 lakh Benaglies living in Pune and there are around 12-15 venues where you can get the mini Bengal feeling during Puja. A little more googling and I decide on the venues.
With the start of Puja our Pandal hopping too starts. It started off with Viman Nagar. The pratima there had a theme of Rannachadika.
One at Nagar Road opposite to Four Points by Sheraton:
This one is of Koregaon Park. As usual their Pratima it always a treat for eyes. The distinct feature of this year's Puja was the thermocol decoration.
Pandal at Congress Bhawan was also on similar lines to that of Koregaon Park
No Puja celebration is complete without Dhaak (a traditional drum from Bengal) and I bet the drum beats would definitely provoke your feet for a dance.
Pandal at Dhanori, Kamala lawns
Pratima in Kalyani Nagar, Opposite Bishop's School.
Pandal at Khadki Kali Badi. This was their Platinum Jubilee year and the pandal decoration and partima was really very good.
Every Bengali is a foodie at heart and I am no exception to that. An integral part of the Puja pandal is the several eating out options doling out right from Chinese to Bengali, Punjabi food. Forget about calories, go get your heart out on those tasty rosogullas, mishti doi and sandesh.
Durga Puja is that time of the year where you go out,enjoy and of course the most important aspect: seek blessings of Maa Durga. Celebrate the feminine powers victory of good over Evil . Bolo Bolo Durga Mai ki Jai .....
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