On the field, Ritwik Roy Chowdhury is a no-nonsense smasher of the cricket ball, one of the most belligerent batters Bengal cricket has produced in recent times. But ask him about Durga Puja and the tormentor of bowlers becomes a child once more. Ritwik smiles frequently while talking about Puja, his voice rising faster than his strike rate. As a Kolkata boy as well as a professional athlete, Ritwik cannot indulge blindly in the Puja festivities. But he knows how to have his fun, without letting his love for Puja affect his love for cricket.
My Kolkata spoke to Ritwik about his Puja plans for 2023, his favourite Puja memory, why Durga’s eyes are something he would like to have and more.
My Kolkata: Do you usually spend Durga Puja in Kolkata?
Ritwik Roy Chowdhury: Yes, I usually spend Puja in Kolkata, unless I’m out of the city playing for the Bengal team, which is the case this year. When I’m in Kolkata, I prefer to put my feet up during Puja and mostly stay at home. I’m not someone who does a lot of pandal hopping. Puja, for me, is about spending quality time with friends and family, a little bit of dancing and a lot of laughter.
So, where will you be during this Puja?
I’ll be in Chandigarh [for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy] representing Bengal. We’ll have important games, but we’ll have the evenings to ourselves. And I’m sure we’ll create our own Puja environment there. I’ll also be taking along a couple of kurtas to wear.
Are kurtas your Puja special outfit? And where do you usually get them from?
Yes, they are. Along with the traditional dhuti-panjabi, which is a must for Ashtami. When I was a kid, my jethu (paternal uncle) used to get them for us. Nowadays, it’s my jethima (paternal uncle’s wife) who keeps the tradition alive. Earlier, we used to shop a lot more, but it's reduced a bit in recent years. But we generally get our things from South City Mall.
Kolkata turns into an art installation – one of Ritwik’s favourite things about Puja time Suvendu Das
What is your favourite part about Puja?
My favourite part is the overall vibe. Everyone is so positive and happy during Puja, and the city is such a pretty sight! I love that. Generally, Puja coincides with the start of the cricket season. So, I have to be in touch with my routines during the festival. That means it can be difficult to sleep at night because of the noise, but I never complain. The sights and sounds of Puja are what make it so special!
What is your favourite Puja-time food?
Oh, what not! I tend to have phuchka only during Puja. It’s also the only time I binge on ice cream. I keep having a bite here and a bite there, although I’ve got good self-control and I need it for my game. But the favourite is probably the barir proshad, especially the naaru. We’re supposed to serve guests before we eat the proshad ourselves, but I remember nibbling on the naaru as a kid even before the guests could get it!
Lastly, one power of Durga you wish you had and why.
The first time I saw the idol of Ma Durga, I remember being struck by her face. And her eyes. Her eyes have a killer instinct. If only I could look at my opponents with the same eyes!
