Before the city plunges into a four-day celebration of Durga Puja, revellers in the city eagerly acquire new outfits and engage in the festivities, regardless of the time of day. This holds true for Hindustani classical musician Angira Kotal, who fully embraces the Puja revelry. From reuniting with friends to delivering a home concert performance, Angira shares her Pujo plans with My Kolkata…
My Kolkata: What places will you be visiting this Pujo?
Angira Kotal: I’m mostly chilling with friends and going out for late-night outings or dinners. Pujo is a time when there is a lot of buzz, day and night, and it's perfect to hang out amid that energy. Since the Covid times, pandal-hopping has taken a backseat for me, but I love the vibe and energy on the streets.
Any special outfit(s) for Puja this year?
I wear a mic of ethnic and western wear, but on Ashtami, I love wearing a sari and going for Pushpanjali.
Is there any special event that you follow during Durga Puja?
As I am an Indian classical vocalist, a special event for me during Pujos would be a music performance. This time I am to perform at a house concert organised here in Kolkata.
Do you have a special memory associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
As a kid, I used to visit my granny's place with all our relatives and cousins. There used to be a huge party for four days and that is my treasured memory.
Pujor bhog, a favourite of Angira’s
What is your favourite Durga Puja-time food?
I love having Asian food throughout the year, and I am not a big fan of heavy meals like biryani. I’m also very fond of the Pujo bhog we get on Ashtami.
One power of Maa Durga you wish you had and why?
Devi Durga is considered to be a goddess who solves all forms of problems for her devotees. Thirty-two names of Devi Durga describe how fiercely she comes to the rescue of her devotees and I would like that quality in myself. It can help me in being creative and effective by doing my bit of solving my own problems.
