DJ Akash Rohira is more than just a name behind the turntables; he's a passionate individual who seamlessly merges his love for music with the rich cultural tapestry of Kolkata. Known for his electrifying Bollywood sets, Akash Rohira has carved a niche for himself in the world of music, all while cherishing the traditions and rituals of Durga Puja. My Kolkata caught up with the one-man show, as he delved into his unique perspective on the Pujas.
For Akash, Durga Puja is synonymous with pandal-hopping, a practice cherished by people citywide. However, he acknowledges that the tight schedule of Puja events can make it challenging to find time for this delightful tradition. “All dates are already blocked till Dashami. So pandal-hopping will happen when I get a chance to come home,” he says. Pandal-hopping, for him, becomes a spontaneous and cherished activity, fitting into the spaces between sacred rituals.
Other than just going pandal-hopping, one standout event on Akash’s pujo calendar is the Dandiya extravaganza at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, an occasion that sees a turnout of 10,000 people daily. For such an electrifying event, his outfit is carefully selected to resonate with the festive spirit.
DJ Akash also has a heartwarming tradition that he upholds during Durga Puja – the quest for Ashtami bhog. “One tradition I always follow is to search for Ashtami bhog, and I will go wherever I can to eat it. How can you miss that?” he adds.
One of the most significant memories etched in Akash's heart is the occasion when he created a theme song for a Puja pandal. This was even more special for him because he had fused his love for the festivities along with his passion for music. “That was a special Puja for me. It was the first time I was asked to do such a song for a Puja pandal,” he said.
Fun and games are always a must, but refueling is a necessity. Like many Puja enthusiasts, Akash’s love for food plays a major role in his celebrations. His favorite Puja-time foods include rolls, chowmein, and bhoger khichuri, culminating with the grand finale – biryani. These culinary delights complete his Puja experience.
His journey through the festival is an amalgamation of devotion, music and a deep love for tradition. Now all he hopes to keep his Pujo spirits up is to come back home in time to visit some pandals.
