Daily chores or emergencies, essentials or special services … they are indispensable in our lives and without them we would have no holiday, no respite and no chance to celebrate.
My Kolkata meets and salutes some people who have been working relentlessly on the festive days, sacrificing time with their families.
Ketan Kumar Singh, ward boy, Techno India DAMA Hospital
'There is no greater joy than serving the patients, watching them recover and return home'
The five days of Durga Puja are just regular days at work for 28-year-old Ketan and his colleagues at the hospital. Fully aware of his responsibilities, he does not regret working through the festivities.
“I work in the health sector, which is an emergency sector. So while the city celebrates, there are people who need medical help and need us to take care of them. Our families sacrifice our involvement in the festival but they understand the demands of our job.” said Ketan, who has been working at the Techno India hospital for four years. Previously, he worked in the hotel industry for four years.
On Puja days, Ketan leaves for work even as the neighbourhood celebrates, bidding adieu to his parents and siblings even as other families deck out in their best and step out together.
Even during duty hours at the hospital, beats of the dhaak or the faint strains of a song playing at a nearby pandal waft in. “Often, when I am shifting patients from the emergency to the wards or from the wards to the operating theatre and back to the ward, I can hear the festive sounds. It is such a stark contrast,” said the ward boy.
Asked if he misses pandal-hopping or going out with loved ones, Ketan said, “I feel I am blessed to be able to do this. There is no greater joy than serving the patients, watching them recover and return home. They, too, are away from their families and often distressed for being in the hospital during Durga Puja. The thought of being there for them in their difficult times gives me greater joy than pandal-hopping.”
Santosh Shaw, grocery shop owner at Behala
'Keeping the shop shut for five or more days would mean heavy losses'
Ran out of chips for the Puja party at home? Need some ingredients for that recipe you found on Instagram? Raju Stores, a well-stocked grocery, on Behala’s Raja Rammohan Roy Road has all that you need and, more importantly, it’s open on all days of the Puja.
35-year-old Santosh Shaw runs the shop single-handedly even during Durga Puja. “Keeping the shop shut for five or more days would mean heavy losses. Also, the customers who frequent the shop also turn up during Durga Puja. Even if people are going out to eat, they will still need groceries.”
Situated close to United Club, Sabeda Bagan Club and Ekata Sangha, the moderately popular three puja pandals, the shop also attracts flying customers as a festive bonus for Shaw. “Many people who come to see the pandals nearby stop at the shop to buy packaged water or cold drinks. They also buy chips and other dry snacks. I also have people coming for band-aids etc. So I can say the demand is moderately high during Pujo.”
Shaw opens the shop around 8am and downs the shutter by 11pm. With no time to spare during Durga Puja for about the last 20 years, his family of four has now learnt to celebrate without him.
“My Durga Puja is spent at the shop and then at home resting after a hectic day on my feet. My mother, wife and two children go out on their own and don't expect me to accompany them anymore. Sometimes I do feel bad and think it would have been nice if I could accompany them. I do have the option of keeping the shop shut for one day of Pujo but honestly after the pandemic I cannot afford to do that.”
Ushasi Chakraborty, dog creche owner, Chini's Home
'For me, spending time with friends and doggos is much more fun'
Ushasi has been single-handedly running Chini's Home, a dog creche in Dum Dum, for the last five years. Every year, Durga Puja for this 26-year-old is spent around furry friends as many pet parents who go out on trips trust Ushasi with their dogs.
“My clients have faith in me and panic even if I step out for 10 minutes to buy medicines or anything. To manage everything well, I do not overcrowd my creche and keep one dog at a time with my own furbaby Chini. I keep a stock of everything before the baby arrives so that I do not have to step out.”
Ushasi makes it a point to enjoy Durga Puja with the pawed friends in her own way and she does not really regret it. “As a person I really do not enjoy the crowd or pandal-hopping. For me, spending time with friends and doggos is much more fun. I try to treat them with their favourite food. Say, some dog loves eggs, I give them two eggs a day, removing the yolk. I have friends over who are dog lovers and they play with them. I never leash dogs at my creche. So it is a free, independent space and dogs enjoy roaming around the house,” she said,
What makes Chini’s Home special? “A Golden Retriever baby had come to stay over for a few days. We had a wonderful time. Then when he went home, he stopped eating. His parents called me and said that he had gone into separation anxiety and the vet had called for me. I was very anxious and went to their house immediately. As soon as I rang the doorbell, the dog started barking and on seeing me, came running to me with its leash. I was too overwhelmed by that incident and it has still stuck with me. This is what keeps me going even if I have to sacrifice going out and having fun.”
Susavan Mistri, head chef, Cafe Drifter
'I take great pride and joy in running a kitchen and keeping up its highest standards'
For Susavan, serving people good food at the cafe during the rush hours of Durga Puja brings utmost satisfaction. Even if that means no Pujo off days.
“We are allotted Puja holidays in rotation but we choose not to avail them because of the nature of our business. Pujo season is the busiest time of the year at the cafe and we enjoy whatever little time we get to spend with family,” said Susavan, who has been the head chef of Cafe Drifter situated on Lake Road for seven years.
Susavan refuses to take credit for the successful running of the cafe and says the hard work is a team affair. “Puja time is very hectic. The cafe remains open for extended hours and we work extra time to serve our demanding customers. The greatest thing I have witnessed during Pujo is our leader (cafe owner, Rajroop Bhaduri) being there with us, every year, every step of the way; doing quick rounds of grocery when the stocks deplete, supporting us through a 16-18 hour weekly schedule, basically working shoulder-to-shoulder with all of us. I haven't seen anything more extraordinary than this in my professional career.”
What keeps Susavan going? His dedication and passion for cooking. “I take great pride and joy in running a kitchen and keeping up its highest standards. I love making and serving food to our guests. It makes me feel like I have added value to each of their lives.”
