Jhilam Gupta is one of few content creators who makes content that is relatable and hilarious. She has struck a chord with her audiences as she explores the city and state trying out street food delights. For Jhilam, Durga Puja involves pandal hopping and food. She never misses Ashtami pushpanjali but does not wear new clothes.
My Kolkata had a chat with the content creator to find out all about her Puja traditions and plans
My Kolkata: Do you usually spend Durga Puja in Kolkata? Any pandals you visit?
Jhilam Gupta: Though I don’t stay in Kolkata, I do go pandal hopping in the city. In north Kolkata, I definitely go to Baghbazar puja. In the south, Singhi Park, Tridhara Sammilani are some of the pandals I go to. In Baranagar, there is a puja named Netaji Colony Lowland that is really worth visiting every year.
Any special outfit(s) for Puja this year? What do you usually wear?
I don’t buy new clothes during Durga Puja. During Puja, people go out to see the pujas and the idols. Ami keche purono jama pori (I just wash my old clothes and wear them).
Do you have a Durga Puja tradition you never miss?
Ashtamir pushpanjali is a must!. That followed by having luchi, alur dom and bonde is a custom I follow every year.
The Netaji Colony Lowland pandal this year Ashim Paul
Do you have a special memory associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
I was a very naughty kid. During Durga Puja I used to play with cap pistols and I loved to pop them with my hands. I would play a lot of pranks on my friends with these.
The other memory I cherish is from the year Titanic released (1997). I was really young then, and the Netaji Colony puja had made a replica of the ship as the pandal. Naturally, it was overcrowded, so I remember that my father put me on his shoulders and showed me the puja. It was very special for me.
What is your favourite Durga Puja food?
I simply love to eat street food during Puja. Phuchka, fish fry, ice-cream and all the other things that are available for Rs 10 or 15 — I love to munch on those!
One power of Durga you wish you had and why?
I wish I had the power to meet her whenever I wanted to. Whenever I call Maa, I really want to see her and feel her presence from within.