The look
Rituparna Sengupta shows t2 what she plans to wear for the pujas.
| Saptami day | Saptami night |
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| I will sport cool, green lacy cotton culottes. I want to keep it simple on Saptami morning, so I will be go for a relaxed look. The scarf, glasses and the tan sling bag give an interesting touch to the costume. It’s great for meeting friends because you can be yourself and don’t need to bother about your clothes. It’s my comfort wear. And it’s fresh. | I like the net that covers this Anarkali kurta; the light shimmer makes it very trendy. It’s a great evening wear and it’s comfortable too. The silver earrings give it a party look. I have got several invitations for Saptami evening and this look is just perfect! |
| Ashtami day | Ashtami night |
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| I wanted to experiment and be a little adventurous on Ashtami morning. So I have chosen a yellow jacket and black leggings. But I will wear this only after I have offered anjali to Ma Durga. I like yellow as it’s lively and vibrant. I want to hop into a cosy teashop with friends and enjoy a long adda with them. | I am not too fond of coral but I loved this Anarkali [by Agnimitra Paul] because of the beadwork. And also for its full-sleeved jacket. It’s an innovative outfit and makes quite a fashion statement. I want to attend the sandhya arati in this attire and then head for a party at a friend’s place. |
| Navami day | Navami night |
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| I have picked a long jacket and jumpsuit for Navami morning because I will be flying to Mumbai where I will attend a puja in Andheri. So, this is cool and comfortable. And also quite dressy for Navami morning. | It’s almost the last day of Durga Puja and I want to look sensuous and gorgeous. This sequinned sheer chiffon in gold will give me the perfect look to go out for dinner with Sanjay (husband). The red roses on my low bun will up the glam factor. |
| Dashami day | Dashami night |
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| Dashami morning is spent preparing for the afternoon. After a lazy and long breakfast, the entire family is busy dressing up to visit my mother’s place. I plan to wear this Anarkali, which is bright. I don’t have to worry too much about the jewellery because it’s quite dressy. | Dashami is family time for me. I will visit my mother with my children and husband. After meeting all our relatives, we will have bhog and generally relax. In the evening, I plan to step out in a black sari. The big red bindi is a must. Just right for sindurkhela. |
at home
Ditch the outdoors, duck the crowds. Sit back And enjoy the PUJAS WITH books and films. t2 recommends eight movies that celebrate the SHE.
| For Saptami | |
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| Matinee: Chandni Bar. Madhur Bhandarkar is still trying to put together his Heroine but why not go back to his original masterpiece. Featuring Tabu in one of her best performances, this is a heartwrenching tale of a Mumbai bar girl. Evening: Amelie. After such a heavy start, this one’s light and fun. Audrey Taotou, in a performance compared to Charlie Chaplin himself, dazzles the screen as the disarmingly sweet French girl trying to help all her neighbours but struggling to find her own love. | |
| For Ashtami | |
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| Matinee: Lost in Translation. For not just the woman on screen — the sublime Scarlett Johansson — but also the woman behind the camera. Director Sofia Coppola had then become just the third woman in history to win an Oscar nomination and when you watch this Bill Murray classic, you know why. Every moment. And the ending. Evening: Paroma. Of the many Aparna Sen gems, this is perhaps the most underrated. Unfairly so. Rakhee shines in this powerful tale of a woman who chose to find her self. | |
| For Navami | |
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| Matinee: Bhumika. Under the keen eye of Shyam Benegal, Smita Patil plays a movie actress who is tossed around by all the wrong men in the world. Tour de force in every way. Evening: Erin Brockovich. She was scorching in Pretty Woman and drop-dead gorgeous in Notting Hill. But go back to this Steven Soderbergh flick where Julia Roberts is all steely determination. “F**k you!” “F**k you back!” | |
| For Dashami | |
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| Matinee: Parineeta. A touch of Calcutta. A touch of Durga Puja. A touch of Rabindrasangeet. This lavish Pradeep Sarkar adaptation with Vidya Balan in the title role is sure to bring on the smiles. Just skip that last ek-dhakka-aur-do scene. Evening: Volver. What better way to end the Puja than on a Penelope note? With Pedro Almodovar at the helm, Cruz the muse is sexy and stylish in this Spanish film about murder and mother, ghost and daughter. | |
The t2 reading list for Durga Puja
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What: The Immortals of Meluha (2010) and The Secret of the Nagas (2011).
By: Amish.
Published by: Westland.
Price: Rs 195 for the first one and Rs 295 for the second.
Why read them: What better time to read books 1 and 2 of the bestselling Shiva trilogy than when the Lord’s wife and kids are in town! The books are based on a simple philosophy: what if Shiva was not a god but a human and it was because of his great adventures that people came to regard him as the Lord? Mixing Indian mythology with science and romance, intrigue and warfare, Amish transports you to a fantastical world that appears oh-so-real.
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What: Eat, Pray, Eat.
By: Michael Booth.
Published by: Jonathan Cape (2011).
Price: Rs 599.
Why read it: Because the title pretty much sums up our plans for the five festive days! It’s a funny yet profound memoir by food columnist Michael Booth as he hurtles across India, wife and kids in tow, in a disastrous attempt to write a book on Indian food. Eat, Pray, Eat is billed as an antidote to the self-help industry. It’s about how yoga and meditation together with a loving family can bring a cynical, militant atheist crack-up back from the brink, and help him forge a better way of living.
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What: Aleph.
By: Paulo Coelho.
Published by: HarperCollins (2011).
Price: Rs 325.
Why read it: Because it’s a book to read and ponder. Then may be go back a few pages, making it just the title to pick up for the holidays. Facing a crisis of faith, Paulo decides to start over: to travel, to experiment, to reconnect with people and the world. On this journey through Europe, Africa and Asia, he will again meet Hilal — the woman he loved 500 years ago. Aleph is an encounter with our fears and our sins; a search for love and forgiveness, and the courage to confront the challenges of life.
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What: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.
By: Amy Chua.
Published by: Bloomsbury (2011).
Price: Rs 450.
Why read it: Because we want to know what all the Brouhaha’s about. Chinese-American Yale professor says in this candid, often hilarious and quite controversial book that the Chinese methods of parenting are superior to “western” ways, sparking angry responses from many and equally charged counter-arguments from the author. So, what are these Chinese methods of parenting? Insisting the child excel in studies and considering oneself a failed parent unless the kid tops in every class and shines in co-curriculars. But isn’t that what Bengali moms have been perfecting for decades?!
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Special mention: Joi Baba Felunath by Satyajit Ray (Ananda Publishers).
Because Sabyasachi Chakrabarty’s candid chat with t2 has rekindled your passion and obsession with Ray’s super sleuth. Because it’s a thriller revolving around Durga Puja, with the pratima playing an integral part in the plot. Because you cannot have enough of Maganlal Meghraj. Because you don’t need a reason to go back to Feluda!
festive grub
Tuck into these celebratory treats at star hotels
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| Chicken a la Kiev |
Where: ITC Sonar Calcutta.
When: October 2 to 7.
On the menu: Savour the taste of Calcutta cuisine at the Eden Pavilion. An extensive buffet covers everything from street food like Kathi Rolls and Mughlai Parathas to classics like the Prawn Cocktail, Fish ’N’ Chips, Steak and Kidney Pie, Vegetable Au Gratin, Baked Macaroni and Chicken Tetrazzini. The lunch buffet is tagged at Rs 1,500 and the dinner buffet at Rs 1,800.
At Peshawari, choose from Samudari Khazana (Rs 2,000) — a platter offering fresh catch from the Bay of Bengal along with unlimited kebabs — or the Subz Khazana (Rs 1,200) — a platter of vegetarian kebabs.
Try the Bengali thali (Rs 2,500) at Dum Pukht for lunch or dinner.
At West View Bar & Grill, go for a Mediterranean meal (Rs 2,500). Prices are exclusive of taxes.
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| Bekti Kobiraji |
Where: Hyatt Regency.
When: October 3 to 6.
On the menu: Bengali cuisine rules the festive menu at Waterside Cafe with items like Kochu Oler Shorshe Bata, Narkeli Potoler Dorma, Dhokar Dalna, Bati Chingri, Dhakai Ilish and Kosha Murgi. The lunch buffet is tagged at Rs 1,950 (taxes extra).
Prefer to go a la carte? Guchhi’s Sharad Utsav in Style will serve a spread of Bengali delights like Posto Peyajer Bora, Bekti Kobiraji, Mochar Ghonto, Chingri Machher Chop, Ilish Machher Paturi and Kosha Mangsho. A meal for two at Guchhi would cost Rs 3,000 (taxes extra).
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| Fried banana Flower with prawns |
Where: The Park.
When: October 2 to 6.
On the menu: The Bridge is offering a special Champagne Buffet Lunch comprising Indian and world cuisine for Rs 1,500 (taxes extra). For dinner at The Bridge, go a la carte with Smoked Nizami Tikka, Wood-fired Boneless Smoked Hilsa, Pan-seared Tiger Prawns, slow-cooked Australian Lamb Shanks, Grilled New Zealand Rib Chops or the house-special, Kosha Mangsho with Luchi. Throw in a chilled — and complementary — pint of beer or bubbly and you’re heady, er, ready to go!
Drop into Zen for a home-style Thai (picture right) and Tangra Chinese menu or sample the subtle flavours of Murg Awadh Biryani, Golda Chingri Biryani and Kolkata Mutton Biryani at their Indian restaurant, Saffron. The star hotel’s banquets will rustle up Maha Bhoj, a sholo ana Bengali buffet on Ashtami and Navami, which comes for Rs 650 (taxes extra). Finally, at The Street, tickle your taste buds with street eats from Quirky Kolkata as well as Kathi Rolls and Biryani, which will be available from midnight to 4am on the festive days.
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| Bhapa Ilish and bhaat |
Where: Swissotel.
When: Till October 11.
On the menu: Tuck into the Pujo Special menu at Durbari, the Indian restaurant. Complement soups like the Bhune Tamatar aur Adrak ka Shorba (tandoor-roasted tomato broth flavoured with ginger) or the Zaffrani Murg Badam Shorba (saffron-flavoured almond and chicken broth) with kebab starters — there’s Dahi Ke Kebab, Methi Paneer Tikka, Hara Nimboo Ka Jheenga and Mangsher Chop. Move on to the main course for a filling meal of Bhapa Ilish, Murg Dhaniwal Korma and Motiya Pulao. Vegetarians can choose from Chorchori, Chhenar Dalna or Potoler Dorma. For dessert, along with Mishti Doi, try the exotic Anjeer Ke Kulfi if you’re fond of figs. A meal for two at Durbari would cost around Rs 3,000 for a non-veg meal and Rs 2,400 for veg (taxes extra).
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| A mutton speciality |
Where: The Oberoi Grand.
When: October 3 to 6.
On the menu: Tuck into the buffet lunch and dinner at La Terrasse. Kickstart your festive feast with Jhuri Aloo Bhaja, Shorshe Begun, Jhinge Posto and Palong Chorchori before moving on to an array of fish delicacies — Chital Machh, Chingri Paturi, Parsher Jhal, Topshe Bhaja and Bhapa Pomfret. Meat lovers can try the Kosha Mangsho or the Doi Murgi. Wash down the buffet with unlimited Carlsberg beer. It’s time to forget the calorie count — just dig in. A meal for two at La Terrasse would cost Rs 3,000 (taxes included).
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| Tuna and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad |
Where: Hotel Hindustan International.
When: October 1 to 6.
On the menu: Tempt yourself with an exciting combination of Bengali and global cuisine. The buffet at Mythh, the hotel’s 24-hour coffee shop, will serve a melting pot of dishes like Mixed Sea Food Broth, Lamb Pepper Pot, Mutton Rezala, Pineapple Hilsa, Dum Ka Murg, Rajma Masala, Kashmiri Pulao and more. The buffet is priced at Rs 1,249 (taxes extra).
At Kalash, try the Bangladeshi buffet (Rs 1,049, taxes extra) put together by chefs from Dhaka. There’s Phulgobi’r Paturi, Bokphool Bhaja, Kachkolar Dum, Padmar Sorisa Ilish, Dhakar Chingri Dopiaza and Chicken Vindaloo. End on a sweet note with Nolen Gur aar Kawni Chaler Kheer, Badshahi Roll or Aatar Chhanar Payesh. The buffet spread at both Mythh and Kalash includes a complementary glass of tipple.
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| Tandoori Lobster |
Where: Taj Bengal.
When: October 2 to 6.
On the menu: Start early with the breakfast buffet at The Hub tagged at Rs 1,050 per head. There’s also lunch (Rs 1,750 per head) and dinner (Rs 1,950 per head) comprising continental, Indian and local delicacies. A special brunch on Sashthi and Dashami includes unlimited champagne or sparkling wine along with the buffet.
In search of exotic eats? Tuck into meals from the Middle East at Souk — shawarma, pita bread, dessert and more (Rs 1,550 per head).
At Chinoiserie, travel to the remote heartlands of China. But if tradition beckons, Sonargaon complies with a Bengali thali. The special starter menu called Bodhon, has two varieties each of lobster, crab, prawn and vegetable preparations. The Sharodia Bhoj (seafood thali) comes for Rs 1,950, Amish Bhoj (non-vegetarian thali) for Rs 1,750 and Niramish Bhoj (vegetarian thali) for Rs 1,450. Prices are exclusive of taxes.
Hangout
Where does Calcutta’s GenX like to be seen during puja? t2 lists five must-visit pandals.
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| Maddox Square puja |
What: Maddox Square puja.
Where: Maddox Square Park, off Ballygunge Circular Road.
Hotspot since: At least 30 years.
Why go there: Because a Calcuttan’s Durga Puja is said to be incomplete without at least one trip to Maddox Square. Because the park around the pandal offers the perfect place for long addas, guitar jam sessions and unlimited street food options. Because it’s the place to find old friends and new love. Because of the evening arati by Amal Chattopadhyay, fondly called Pinu thakur.
“Two trips to Maddox during Puja is a must,” declares Pradipta Mandal of Jadavpur University, while for Swati Bhattacharya of Presidency University, it’s all about meeting friends, new and old. “Never has it been that
I have visited Maddox and not bumped into friends with whom I had lost touch. If you are lucky, you may even spot celebrities hanging out with their gang, just like us.”
Fact file: The Maddox Square puja, organised by the Ballygunge Durga Puja Samity, celebrated its 75th year in 2010, starting the festivities with a sarod recital by Amaan Ali Khan on Panchami. The pratima is ekchala, decked out in daaker saaj.
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| Ballygunge Cultural Association puja |
What: Ballygunge Cultural Association puja.
Where: Jatin Das Road, not far from Lake Road Café Coffee Day.
Hotspot since: The past seven-eight years. It gets around 5 lakh visitors each year.
Why go there: The mesmerising dhaak and dhunuchi naach. The hip ’’ happening young crowd. The wide variety of food stalls, including favourites like Bijoli Grill. The Lake Road CCD, just around the corner, is open till late on Puja nights.
“I love the ambience at Ballygunge Cultural. It’s the right place to chill out with friends… the crowd is very classy. Great food stalls too,” grins Suhit Das, a second-year student of South City college.
Fact file: Established in 1951, Ballygunge Cultural entered its 61st year this Puja. Last year, Vidya Balan inaugurated their diamond jubilee puja. Other celebs spotted include Rachana Banerjee, Shaheb Chatterjee, Arjun Chakraborty and Ranadeb Bose. This year, the pandal will be modelled on the Bishnupur terracotta temples in the Jor Bangla style.
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| Bhashan at Durgabari |
What: Durgabari puja.
Where: 82/4A Ballygunge Place. Next to South Point High School (senior section).
Why go there: Because it is the only famous “barir pujo” in south Calcutta. Because it’s thronged by the young and the restless, mostly senior school students and college-goers, and the entire area buzzes with festive energy. Because “pujo prem” is always in the air here. Because you might just spot a TV or Tolly star.
“Dancing at the Durgabari bhashan has become a tradition for my friends and me. My Puja is incomplete without bumping into known faces and some people who I only get to meet once a year, courtesy Durgabari,” says Roli Roy, an economics student of Presidency.
Fact file: The puja is organised by Ballygunge Pratishthan, which was formed in 1932. The puja was started by a group of senior citizens of Ballygunge Place.
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| FD Block puja |
What: FD Block puja.
Where: Sector III, Salt Lake. Near Central Park.
Hotspot since: FD rose to prominence in 1998 when the pandal was built like the Titanic. And the puja just got bigger each year. In 2007, the mandap became Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter’s school, and even drew J.K. Rowling’s ire!
Why go there: Because it’s the rage with school and college students. Because of the large open space of FD Park where friends can plonk for hours and watch the world go by. Because of the many rides, food stalls and interesting events like fashion shows, band performances, dance shows and impromptu singing and dance competitions hosted by the puja organisers.
Sreya Deb, a JU student, says: “I can’t think of Puja without FD Block. Be it the many shows and contests or performances like that of Ayaan Ali Khan last year, FD is a must-visit during Durga Puja.”
Fact file: The puja began in 1983 and is organised by the FD Block Sarbajanin Puja Committee. This year, the decorations include a huge Durga idol in the open and Himalayan mountains, with the mandap depicting a cave.
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| Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav |
What: Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav.
Where: Bagbazar Street. Nearest Metro station: Shyambazar.
Why go there: The sabeki puja draws the faithful from far and wide. And the surrounding grounds provide ample space for a non-stop adda zone, with the many eateries and street food stalls offering a range of sumptuous eats. But the biggest draw is its proximity to another must-visit puja in north Calcutta, Sovabazar Rajbari. “I love to hang out with my friends at Bagbazar Sarbojanin because for me Puja is all about adda. Bagbazar Sarbojanin has ample space for us to chill out with friends. Also, this puja stands out amid all these theme pujas because of its grace and old-world charm,” says Antara Basak of Presidency University.
Fact file: The puja is celebrating its 93rd year and counts among its past presidents Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The current president is MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay.
ADVENTURE IN THE AIR
10,000 text messages have reached us. Are you one of them?
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| Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav |
Flight of fantasy: As the Pujas clock closer, the contest for the coveted Seagram’s Royal Stag Mega Music Hot Air Balloon Pandal Hopping, in association with t2, is hotting up. So far, 10,000 SMSes have poured into our inbox. And, only 50 lucky Calcuttans will get to take the ride of a lifetime on Panchami (October 1). The joyride will take off from the Behala Flying Club around 9.30am. As the hot air balloon soars 500ft above the ground, groups of five will get to enjoy a panoramic view of the city for around 10 to 15 minutes. So, work your keypad and SMS RS<Your Name> and send it to 9230029000. Entries close at 5pm on September 30.
