Born and raised in Delhi, Priyanka Kundu Biswas, a semi-finalist from MasterChef India Season 7, reminisces about her festive memories in the Bengali community there. From winning baking competitions to relishing bhog at the pandal, she eagerly anticipates celebrating Durga Puja in Kolkata this year. My Kolkata spoke to her about her plans this year…
My Kolkata: Have you typically spent Durga Puja in Kolkata? If so, are there any specific pandals you plan to visit? If not, where do you usually celebrate?
Priyanka Kundu Biswas: For most of my life, I’ve celebrated Durga Puja in Delhi. Similar to Kolkata’s parar pujo, we celebrated in local pandals. This will be my first time in Kolkata for Durga Puja, as last year I was away shooting for MasterChef India, and the year before, I was travelling. I’m incredibly excited to experience Durga Puja in the city. However, I’ve heard about the tremendous traffic and long queues at pandals, so I haven’t planned which ones to visit just yet.
Will you be donning any special outfits for Puja this year? If not, what is your usual attire?
I’ve picked up some amazing co-ord sets that are incredibly comfortable. Of course, saris are a must in the Puja wardrobe — the essence of Puja is incomplete without them. Saris work their magic when it comes to Puja fashion. My mother sourced some beautiful saris for me from Delhi. She runs her own sari business, so I always turn to her for my sari collection.
Is there a special event or tradition (personal or ritualistic) that you follow during Durga Puja?
In Delhi, my mother used to participate in Ananda Mela, where she had her own stall selling various food items. I would always accompany her and have a great time there. I mostly stayed by her side during Durga Puja. However, this time, since I’ll be in Kolkata and have many para friends, I’m looking forward to engaging in adda sessions over some delicious home-cooked food.
Among the many powers of Maa Durga, Priyanka would choose the ability to remain calm and patient in life
Do you have any special memories associated with Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere?
One special memory of Durga Puja is from Delhi, right after I left my corporate job to start baking cakes. At the Shibmandir Durga Puja pandal in Delhi, they used to host Ananda Mela with cooking competitions. With little expectation, I participated and ended up winning first prize for baking. I won thrice after that. It's a truly special memory I have of Durga Puja.
What is your go-to Durga Puja-time delicacy?
For me, the best Puja time delicacy is the bhog that you relish sitting in a pandal. Nothing can beat that taste of pujor bhog.
If you could possess one power of Durga, which would it be and why?
Among the many powers of Maa Durga, I would choose the ability to remain calm and patient in life. With these two powers, I believe I could work diligently towards achieving my dreams.
