It is safe to say that Madhurima Vidyarthi is always busy. Between her duties as an endocrinologist at the city’s top medical facilities like Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital and RN Tagore Hospital, and her life as an author, who needs to write every single day, she has little time. However, during Durga Puja, even she takes some much-needed time off, and revels in the festivities. My Kolkata caught up with the doctor-author about her plans for this festival.
My Kolkata: How do you celebrate Durga Puja?
Madhurima Vidyarthi: By taking time off! I don’t work for those four days, and it’s lovely to be able to do exactly what I want. I love visiting pandals, especially with my children. Most of all, I love the heady feeling of anticipation that builds up beforehand.
What are your favourite pandals to visit?
Tridhara, Maddox Square, and other south Kolkata pandals around my para. Usually, I also take out time specifically to visit the pandals in north Calcutta.
Maddox Square – one of Madhurima’s favourite pandals TT Archives
What is your favourite part of the festival?
The first structures coming up weeks before Durga Puja, the pandals getting built, and the stark change in the weather (even though it has been very wet this year!). And lastly, the typical 'pujo pujo gondho!'
How does the festival influence you as an author?
As a Kolkatan, this is obviously a very special time and I think it would be correct to treat it more as a carnival and a human festival, rather than a religious one. I love everything about this city throughout the year, but the way she comes alive during the Pujas is special. Just roaming the streets is very soothing. Besides this, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered at every bend and corner. To satisfy my literary bug, I also enjoy reading about the history behind the Puja and its traditions.
‘I think it would be correct to treat Puja as more of a carnival and a human festival, rather than a religious one,’ says Madhurima TT Archives
What is your go-to Puja wear?
Anything comfortable!
What is your fondest Puja memory?
I still remember my first visit to north Calcutta during the Pujas. I must have been 8 or 9. My parents decided to surprise me and we went out suddenly one night to visit pandals at the other end of the city. Besides the thrill of going out late at night, I remember stopping by Nepal Chandra Sweets and Pathuriaghata. It was a magical outing.
Any culinary favourites during Pujo?
Not really. The trouble is, we're eating all throughout the year!
One power of Maa Durga that you’d like to have?
Her strength!