I am basically, on the inside, a khichuri. An Indian-Chinese who celebrates all things Bengali.
For me, the best time and place to be during Durga Puja and the start of the festive season, is Kolkata. I was born here in Kolkata, left for Canada at the age of 14, and in 2021 returned to the city to carry forward the Pou Chong KIM brand as the third-generation owner.
As a child, I have cherished memories of accompanying my grandparents to the pandals near our home in Chatta Wala Gully, Tiretta Bazar. My grandmother, especially, believed in all religions; she was a nature lover and a peacemaker who respected all religions and instilled in me the values of embracing various traditions both at home and in the factories.
‘Ma Durga symbolises female empowerment and courage. Similarly, Chinese culture has its own goddess, Kwan Yin Phoo Saat, who sits on a lotus like the goddess Saraswati. I get great strength from both these goddesses’ Shutterstock
Even today, I make it a point to visit all the pandals and marvel at the intricate artistry and hard work that goes into building such magnificent pieces of art. I truly respect the sentiment behind it. I love how Ma Durga is revered and how she evokes immense love from her devotees due to her nurturing, protective and courageous stance. She symbolises female empowerment and courage. Similarly, Chinese culture has its own goddess, Kwan Yin Phoo Saat, who sits on a lotus like the goddess Saraswati. We have her picture on our red envelopes and she is serene, white and bright. Being a woman, I get great strength from both these goddesses.
We decorate our shops, factories and neighbourhood with festive decorations, flowers, and prayer services. We exchange gifts and host dinners for our staff, friends, and offer special deals to our customers and distributors. Durga Puja, in my view, is not just celebrated by one community but a time when everyone comes together and celebrates in their own way, boosting the economy and strengthening friendships. It is a reminder of the power of community and the joy it brings.
‘With my ‘Bengali father’, the CFO of Pou Chong Group, Mr Talukdar’
This year, I plan to take a day off to visit the pandals in Tiretta Bazar, Mohammad Ali Park and the Disneyland-themed pandal by Sreebhumi Sporting Club. I would recommend a visit to the Chinese Kali Mandir or Kalibari, just outside Tangra Chinatown. Instead of the regular bhog like fruits, sweets and khichuri, devotees are given noodles, chop suey and fried rice as prasad after puja (especially during Diwali). The temple’s Chinese priest also symbolises the bridge between Chinese and Indian cultures.
We have also planned a team outing to Wokao in Entally for an Asian barbecue all-you-can-eat buffet!
I’m especially excited to see the Tiretti Bazaar Pandal, which promises a unique theme. The Tiretta Bazaar area holds the distinction of being India’s oldest Chinatown, which had at one time more than 30,000 Chinese population living here. To my knowledge, the Chinese immigrants introduced chowmein to the locals and also the famous Chilli Chicken dish was innovated here in Kolkata. Chilli Chicken and Hakka Chowmein are one of the two most best-selling street foods in Kolkata during Durga Puja.
Pujo is a busy time for us. Yesterday, our doors remained open non-stop due to the surging demand for our Pou Chong KIM products. Rising fuel prices have made imported products less accessible, prompting even high-end restaurants to turn to Indian brands. Our Hakka Noodles and soya sauces are fast flying off the shelves. Pou Chong was one of the pioneers in producing the Dark Soya Sauce, an essential sauce for making Chilli Chicken. Our Green Chilli sauce and Tomato Sauce are widely used in famous Kolkata street foods like the Kolkata Kathi Rolls, giving them their distinctive taste.
Watching people carry these rolls in their hands while pandal-hopping gives me great joy! This pujo has been particularly auspicious as we opened our third factory, in Khardah.
I’d like to end by extending my warm wishes to everyone for a happy and united Durga Puja. Here’s to celebrating the god and goddess in you!
