Autumn brings with it the warmth and joy of Sharadiya Durga Puja, a time of devotion, reunion and celebration for the Hindu community.
For some, the festival means visiting temples and soaking in the festive spirit; for others, it is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and loved ones. Anima Roy, Tamalika Karmakar, Bidya Sinha Mim and Chanchal Chowdhury share what makes Puja special to them, from cherished childhood memories to the simple joy of celebrating together.
Anima Roy
For Anima Roy, the joy of Durga Puja lies in the little traditions that make the festival special. From standing in line to receive prasad to taking part in sidur khela, she looks forward to rituals that bring people together.
“On Ashtami, I will visit Ramakrishna Mission and stand in line to receive prasad. There is a special kind of joy in waiting in line for it,” she said.
On Dashami, she plans to visit Dhakeshwari Temple with her mother, where she hopes to receive prasad as well. She also looks forward to participating in sidur khela.
This Puja, she has a special gift for her mother. Having bought her a saree, Anima plans to visit her in Keraniganj and give it to her in person. She also hopes to visit the festivities in Gulshan and Narayanganj, where the celebrations are particularly vibrant.
For the singer, however, the spirit of Puja extends beyond rituals and personal plans. It is about sharing happiness and ensuring that everyone can celebrate in a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.
“Puja season always makes me happy. This joy is universal and belongs to everyone. My wish is for Durga Puja to be celebrated in a beautiful atmosphere, where we can all come together and enjoy the festive days in harmony,” she said.
Tamalika Karmaker
For Tamalika Karmaker, the arrival of Puja brings a deep sense of nostalgia. Living away from Bangladesh, she finds herself thinking of home and the celebrations she enjoyed in years gone by.
“During my teenage years, Puja meant wearing new clothes. That tradition continued as I grew older, when I would receive new outfits as gifts from my parents. I will never experience that same joy again in my life,” she said.
Among her fondest memories is the opportunity to spend several days with loved ones, as relatives and friends, both near and far, came together to celebrate.
“What I loved most about celebrating Durga Puja back home was the opportunity to rejoice together. For a few wonderful days, people would come together and spend time with one another. Those memories still bring me happiness,” she said.
Although she is now far from home, the approaching festival continues to offer her a sense of comfort and peace. The memories of celebrations past remain close to her heart, reminding her of the connections that make Puja so meaningful.
Bidya Sinha Mim
For Bidya Sinha Mim, Durga Puja is a celebration best enjoyed together. The excitement surrounding the festival is something she hopes everyone can share, making the most of the festive days in a welcoming atmosphere.
“Puja brings a special excitement, and the festivities begin. I hope that spirit continues throughout the celebrations. Rather than celebrating alone, I hope we can all share in the joy,” she said.
Visiting a temple during Puja is part of her annual plans, and this year will be no different. She also enjoys travelling to Rajshahi during the festival, where she has spent memorable moments.
“I believe the joy and festivities of Sharadiya Durga Puja should belong to everyone,” she said, extending her love and festive greetings to her fans and to people both near and far.
Chanchal Chowdhury
For Chanchal Chowdhury, Durga Puja holds a deeply personal meaning, rooted in the village home where he grew up and the family traditions that shaped his childhood.
For him, the festival means reuniting with his siblings, spending time with villagers and sharing the joy of being together. It is an atmosphere he has cherished since childhood and hopes to see preserved for generations to come.
“I grew up witnessing this beautiful atmosphere, and it is something I want to see continue throughout my life,” he said.
Yet, the festive season also brings a bittersweet feeling. While Puja once meant unreserved happiness with his family, the absence of his father has changed the way he experiences the occasion.
“Puja felt even more special when my father was alive. Since his passing, I think of him more often during the festival. I miss him especially on these joyful days,” he said.
His father was not only a parent but also a teacher, making his memories an inseparable part of the actor’s life. Even now, Chanchal finds comfort in the thought that his father continues to bless him from afar.
Despite the longing that accompanies these memories, his wish for the festival remains unchanged: to spend the days surrounded by his loved ones and share in the joy of being together.
For Chanchal, as for many others, Puja is ultimately about family, belonging and the enduring bonds that make the celebrations meaningful.
