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Do you know Debaditya’s favourite hangout spots during Puja?

For the musician-restaurateur, every trip to Durga Bari is always filled with joy

For Debaditya Chaudhury, a musician with the band Lakkhichhara and the entrepreneur popular Kolkata-based chains Chowman, Oudh 1590, and Chapter 2, the annual visit to the Durga Bari pandal in Ballygunge Place, holds a special emotional significance. “In adulthood, pandal hopping has almost ceased for me, but one place I make sure to visit every time is Durga Bari,” Debaditya shared. The familiarity and sense of belonging that comes with visiting this puja underscores the importance of maintaining certain traditions, even as the nature of celebrations evolve over the years. 

According to Debaditya, there have been significant changes in the way Durga Puja is celebrated today as compared to his childhood. “Earlier, Pujas were more simplistic, but now they have become grander and more thematic,” he said. While he admits he doesn’t indulge in pandal hopping as much anymore, he ensures his daughter experiences it at least one day every year. 

Reflecting on fond memories, he even recalled spending all five days of the festival at a friend’s place at Garcha Ballygunge, where they would enjoy bhog and participate in various Puja activities. 

— Urvashi Bhattacharya