As much as it is for the community, Durga Puja is a personal festival as well – a break from the monotony of life into spaces that define comfort for us – from fast-food stalls outside and our own kitchen delicacies, elaborate pandal hopping plans to laidback sessions at home. For singer and composer Neel Dutt, it is mostly about the comfort of plans at home, home-cooked food and the warmth of memories. My Kolkata chatted with the musician on what Pujo holds for him.
My Kolkata: Do you usually spend Durga Puja in Kolkata?
Neel Dutt: I always prefer to stay in Kolkata during Pujo. Although, most of the time, we travel to various places for concerts. If I am in the city, I prefer relaxed sessions with friends and family. I rarely go out. We cook and have warm get-togethers.
Your comfort Puja attire? If not, what do you usually wear? Is there a shopping tradition?
Gifting new clothes to family has been a tradition. A panjabi on Ashtami morning has been a tradition. But I am not too strict about traditional attire. Loose linen trousers with a tee or a kurta is usually my comfort wear. Sometimes even linen shorts with a kurta.
Is there a special event or tradition (personal or ritualistic) that you follow during Durga Puja?
Ashtami anjali is something I try to attend. However, if I'm traveling, then, I try to have a Shashti lunch with two old friends before I leave town.
Neel tries to attend Ashtami Anjali whenever he is in town during Puja
Any special memory associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
Going out for protima darshan with both of my grandfathers, in rickshaws, was a regular plan during my childhood. Also, the Ashtami lunch at my grandparents’ house. They are no more. And, the house isn't there anymore as well.
What is your go-to Durga Puja-time food?
Food keeps changing depending on the mood. However ghugni, kucho nimki and malpua (all homemade) on Dashami is still something that I look forward to.
Any Pujo album that you remember fondly, or music that you associate very dearly with Pujo?
After my father's first album was released in September 1994, I heard Ranjana for the first time after its release, on the loudspeaker of my local Pujo, from my terrace. It was a great feeling. That song was an instant hit and that album was played all over Calcutta during the Puja in 1994.
One power of Durga you wish you had and why?
I have seen evil. Sometimes we have to remain calm and let evil walk away hoping that it will cease to exist. Sometimes, we have to let go, to protect our loved ones. At times, the situations that evil brings with it and the endgame aren't worth the loss that entails in battling them. I wish I had the power to destroy that evil once and for all. I wish I didn’t have to think twice.