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Chef Gobindo da

I have a slightly complicated relationship with Durga Pujo. I don’t mean it in a bad way.
It was the most wonderful time of the year when I was growing up in Kolkata. You would have heard similar sentiments expressed by many, including me. It almost seems like a cliche, but it is the truth. One did not fully understand the rituals, but still took part in anjali, arati, hom, fast and then have proshad…the sentiment was pure. Then there was the entire social aspect of it. That of being one with one’s ‘tribe,’ as one would call it in sociology, in celebrating the occasion.
It’s been 27 years in Mumbai and my physical distance from all things Bengali increases by the year, but I am still too Bengali at heart to refer to Durga Pujo as Durga Puja.

At Bandra Durga Pujo 2024

I go to my parar pujo, neighbourhood pujo, when I can.

I am not talking of the one in the building apartment in Kolkata where I grew up. I feel like a stranger there, surrounded by memories. Fond ones, but memories have a sell by date.
By parar pujo, I mean the Bandra Notun Polly Pujo. The suburb of Bandra has been home to me ever since I moved to Mumbai. I used to go to the pujo here, chasing memories, till one day those behind the pujo read my blog post on it and made me their own.

Today, it’s my parar pujo. I am welcomed lovingly, by those who work so tirelessly to put the pujo up. They fondly call themselves, ‘Ma Durga’s Karya Kartas.’ The early mornings, late nights, unending hours, humidity, sun or rain, dust and crowds during the pujo… the meticulous planning and behind the scenes work which go behind it, nothing can wipe their smiles… for they know that they are doing it on behalf of the goddess… however you want to interpret it.


The Bandra Pujo was first celebrated a year before I was born. Perhaps the goddess knew that this would be my home one day.

Bandra Durga Pujo 2024

I present to you some of the faces behind the Bandra pujo, starting with Gobindo da who has been the cook behind the bhog forever. He was embarrassed about his attire, but that’s the thing about those who work behind the scenes, they don’t need any insta filters. Thanks for all the love guys. I feel blessed.

This post is dedicated to Ma Durga’s Karya Kartas across the world (I am just posing with them)

Update:

I went to the pujo the evening and met friends and bumped into my doc too. Pujos also serve as spaces for people to connect. Here are some pics:

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