For Indrajit Lahiri, popularly known as Foodka on social media, Durga Puja is about taking a break from work and chilling at home. For someone who is busy all round the year in events and shoots, Puja is the best time to dedicate more time to family and friends. My Kolkata chats with the food connoisseur about his Durga Puja scenes, favourite foods and more.
My Kolkata: Do you usually spend Durga Puja in Kolkata? Which pandals will you be visiting?
I normally am stationed at our home during Durga Puja. Throughout the year, we are busy with our work, shoots and other activities. But during Durga Puja, I make it a point to stay back and meet friends and family. The second reason is my son is busy with his gang and my wife takes some rest at home. And this festive season is the season of inclusivity for me.
Any special outfit(s) for Puja this year? If not, what do you usually wear?
As I am mostly at home during the Durga Puja, a comfortable outfit works the best for me. But when I step out, something traditional like a kurta is my choice. And on Ashtami, dhoti-kurta is what I choose while going out.
Is there a special event or tradition (personal or ritualistic) that you follow during Durga Puja?
Not much. There is only one tradition at our home. We have a vegetarian bhog on Ashtami – usually khichuri. But honestly, during my prime, it was an adventure to skip this ritual and try the non-veg stuff. But with age, a vegetarian bhog with friends and family works for me.
‘When I step out, something traditional like a kurta is my choice,’ says Lahiri
Do you have a special memory associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
I used to stay in Bangalore for a few years. And there I witnessed Durga Puja of the Bengali community. Unknown families joined hands and worked like one unified joint family – with all the rituals being followed. And that was something new for me.
What is your favourite Durga Puja-time food?
Biryani is my gastronomic muse and that is something I can have anytime of the day or year. To be more specific, mutton biryani with two pieces of meat. But all said and done, anything enjoyed with family is my favourite.
One power of Durga you wish you had and why?
I sincerely wish goddess Durga could kill the asuras, or evil, from our society – in all sorts and forms. And I wish a happy puja to everybody.