For many Durga Puja is synonymous with pandal hopping. But then there are always homebodies who prefer to spend the time off away from crowds and at home with family and friends.
So you’re not much of a pandal hopper, there are still fun activities and lazy days you can plan to have a rocking Durga Puja at home.
From cooking up a storm to things you can plan with friends, kids or for yourself — including a pujo special playlist to listen to and movie to watch — here are some ideas for your Puja plans…
Celebrate the cultural heritage of Bengal with some DIY
A ‘patachitra’ painting Wikimedia Commons
If you have a knack for painting or crafts, try your hand at making a patachitra style DIY home.decor piece. Patachitra is an old and popular art form of Bengal and Odisha. All you need is a monochrome piece of cloth in the shape of a scroll, a few fabric colours and brushes, and a Durga Puja-related inspiration, like the trinayan of Durga, a shloka that you like or the face of the deity. If you have a little one at home or your spouse or a family member shares the love for art, painting the patachitra could turn into a fun family activity.
Grooving to the ultimate Durga Puja playlist
From Antara Chowdhury’s nostalgic song Aye Re Chute Aye, Monali Thakur’s peppy Dugga Elo to Shreya Ghoshal’s melodious Dhaak Baja Kasor Baja, you can create a Durga Puja playlist with many on-theme melodic options. The unmissable Elo Je Maa or the recent numbers like Nakku Nakur and Chaarpashe Aalo Hok can make this playlist a foot-tapping on as well! Hei Go Maa Durga or break into a dance with Dhaaker Taaley Komor Dole with pals for a late night gig at home, and party like a pro at home this pujo.
A cinephile’s happy times
L-R: Abir Chatterjee, Prosenjit and Koel Mullick have new releases this Puja
T-town has several mega releases this pujo, with films like Jongole Mitin Mashi on October 18, Dawshom Awbotaar, Bagha Jatin and Raktabeej on October 19, and the web series Durgo Rawhoshyo also on October 19 on Hoichoi. Hit the movie theatres or binge on the web series with a DIY cocktail and refresh and rejuvenate, watching Tollywood mega stars like Prosenjit, Anirban Bhattacharya, Jisshu Senguptaa, Abir Chatterjee, Mimi Chakraborty and Koel Mallick lightning up the screens, in brand new presentations by Srijit Mukerji, Arindam Sil, Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy.
(Find a few recipes for gin cocktails here)
Festivities and culinary delights
Cook up one, or a few, Bengali feasts at home Shutterstock
House parties are the best kind. You can dress up and crank up the AC without breaking into a sweat, spend quality time with your near ones and cook for them too. What’s a better way to celebrate the festival that speaks of unity and togetherness? So far cooking is concerned, kickstart Sasthi with Radhaballavi and Navratan dal. Make Peas and prawn pulao paired with Lebu-Lanka-Aam Aada Murgi on Saptami, Potoler dorma and Fish finger on Ashtami or celebrate Navami with Mutton barra kebab and Fish chop. Add traditional dishes like Ghee bhaat with Sada Til Bata, Mochar Chop and Kankrar Jhal to make Dashami special or host a Bijoya gathering. Durga Puja is incomplete without mishti, and My Kolkata has a few recipe recommendations for you to try out.
‘Pujo’-special theme party
Playing dress up or organising a fancy dress party is always a good way to keep the kids occupied, and adults can join in too
If you have kiddies around you are on a break from school and/or might not be up for long pandal hopping sprees, you can organise theme parties at home. Plan a fancy dress competition where the little ones dress as Durga and her team. For the adults who have a penchant in fashion, dressing up as contemporary Durga or many moods of Mahishasur can be a fun costume party, much like a desi halloween. There can be an alpana competition too, where all age groups participate and celebrate an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage.
