The homebody’s guide to a fun-filled Pujor adda

A house adda with friends is not just a casual meetup, it transforms into a memorable day filled with food, films, debates, and music. Especially during Durga Puja, the essence of adda takes on a whole new meaning. Whether you’re reuniting with long-lost friends or simply catching up with familiar faces from the next para, the house adda infuses the celebrations with a unique flavour of nostalgia, leaving the entire group with cherished memories and renewed bonds
of friendship.

No adda is complete without the right snacks
n Nimki makha: Give the humble nimki a twist by mixing it with chopped onions, tangy green mangoes, and tomatoes

n Phulkopir singara: Stuffed with perfectly spiced cauliflower, it’s a crunchy golden parceln Macher chop: With succulent pieces of fish, these are the ultimate crowd-pleaser

Pujo is all about cosy catch-ups, endless adda, and unbeatable food including chop, cutlet, and fried treats. They’re quick, easy, and definitely not your usual fare
– Debjani Chatterjee, food blogger and home chef

Getting creative adds a whole new layer to adda
Kumortuli-inspired clay modelling: Buy some clay and challenge your friends to make mini idols inspired by the famous Kumortuli artisans. It’s therapeutic, fun, and perfect for a friendly competition
Collaborative poetry: For the more literary-minded, try writing an impromptu collaborative poem or short story. One person starts, and each friend adds their own line or paragraph

No Kolkata adda is complete without soft music in the background
Rabindra Sangeet: A session isn’t truly complete without soulful tunes by Tagore. Songs like Ami Chini Go Chini can transport you into the perfect melancholic
adda zone
Bangla Band anthems: Add a bit of fire with classics from Chandrabindoo, Fossils, and Bhoomi n Jam session: Every Bengali household either has an old harmonium tucked away or the ‘cool boy’ guitar waiting to be strummed, use them to add some fun to your adda

What’s adda without a little bit of fun and competition?
n Carrom: In many homes, carrom isn’t just a game, it’s a battlefield of tactics and bragging rights
n Cards: Keep a deck of cards handy for games like Twenty-nine or Bridge
n Chess: If your adda session prefers a quieter, more cerebral challenge, nothing beats a good old-fashioned game of chess. Just be warned – Kolkata’s chess lovers don’t take losing lightly