Celebrating Durga Pujo the Bengali way ft. Mamta

Storytelling and lifestyle creator Mamta discusses the essence of Durga Pujo, what people should know, and her role as a creator in sharing this experience with the world.

As a child, Durga Pujo was filled with simple joys. I would roam around with friends, hunt for affordable snacks like pani puri, capture moments with a small Nokia phone, and walk from one pandal to another. It was a raw, fun, and spontaneous experience. Now, as an adult, the vibe has shifted. Friends are scattered across different cities, life is busier, and hangouts are planned more deliberately. However, the best part today is the newfound freedom: no restrictions from parents, the ability to roam until midnight, and the rare chance to reconnect with close friends. The excitement remains, but it is now much more meaningful.

As a Bengali, I’ve often noticed that others have a different perspective on the festival, either due to a lack of awareness or because of how the entertainment industry portrays it. One common misconception is that every Bengali girl wears a laal paar sada saree during Durga Pujo. That’s not true; we wear it specifically during rituals like Pushpanjali, Dhunuchi Naach, or on Bijoya Dashami. Outside of those moments, we wear whatever feels comfortable. Additionally, many people think Durga Pujo is only about pandal-hopping, but it is about much more. It represents food, culture, reconnecting with loved ones, and experiencing Kolkata’s creative spirit.

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Also Read - POV: Have festivals lost their spirit to social media aesthetics?

Today, social media has made Durga Pujo more accessible to people worldwide. Many who are outside West Bengal follow the trends, become curious, and share their own versions of the celebration. However, there is a risk that the fast-paced, trend-driven nature of social media can overshadow the real essence of the festival. For me, it's important to focus on sharing the authentic experience rather than just viral content. The magic of live moments, art, and culture cannot be fully captured on a screen.

People are often surprised when I reveal that I’m Bengali. Most know me as Bihari-Bengali, but many do not expect me to be Bengali. Their excitement always brings a smile to my face. It’s amazing to see how my content sparks curiosity and helps people learn more about our culture. As a creator, I do my part to showcase what Pujo in Kolkata looks like. I primarily share my Pujo experiences through Instagram Stories and Reels, capturing the pandal vibes, intricate artistry, and of course, the delicious Bengali food. I also showcase my outfits because Pujo is a time to dress up and express oneself. 

My goal is to help those outside Kolkata experience the festival virtually, especially those curious about our culture. I strive to blend visuals, short videos, and storytelling to create an authentic glimpse into our celebration.

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There is much that has become an exciting and important part of our childhood Pujo celebration memories. The pure excitement of planning everything in advance, deciding which new clothes to wear, planning which days to visit different pandals, and feeling the overall thrill of anticipation is something I wish I could experience forever. Celebrating Pujo today reminds me that being Bengali is a privilege. It’s not just about rituals; it’s about a deep connection to our art, food, culture, and collective spirit. Each year, when I see the beautifully crafted pandals, enjoy traditional sweets, and celebrate with friends, it reaffirms my identity and pride in my heritage. It makes me feel grounded and linked to the generations before me.

If there’s one tradition or emotion from Pujo that I hope the next generation never loses, it is the old-school excitement and personal connection of experiencing it live. The anticipation of new clothes, the joy of meeting friends, the awe of each unique pandal, and the genuine connection to our culture are irreplaceable. I hope that even as trends evolve, the next generation continues to embrace the tradition of experiencing Pujo in its fullest form, rather than just virtually or as a mere checklist of viral moments.