‘Pujo is about reliving our traditions’

For the Rajas, the artistic family behind Kanishka’s and Experimenter, Pujo is synonymous with devotion, tradition, and togetherness. “For my son Prateek, daughter-in-law Priyanka and grandchildren Kaavin and Kayaan, it is a celebration of love, heritage and a bond that hold us close,” said Nandita Raja. Over a leisurely chat, they shared memories about their barir pujo in Hindustan Park, bhog, addas, notun-jama and homely gatherings. Excerpts.

‘Prayers for good health & peace’
Nandita: I only pray for good health, peace and happiness for all my loved ones. Good health is the most precious blessing of all.
Prateek: Durga inspires prayers of gratitude and humility. I, too, pray for health, happiness, and the strength to grow as an individual.
Priyanka: With gratitude in my heart, I pray for inner peace, strength, good health and joy for our loved ones.

What are your earliest Pujo memories?
Nandita Raja: We grew up in Hindustan Park, where leaving our para during Pujo was unthinkable. The Pujo, opposite our house, felt like our own barir pujo. Post-arati, the tradition of luchi and naru was our highlight. Later, after I got married, I found the same warmth at Ballygunge’s Durga Bari’r Pujo, where our family still gathers, carrying forward that spirit of togetherness.
Prateek Raja: My earliest Pujo memories are of being mesmerised by Durga — her 10 hands, her power, and also seeing Ganesha with his little mouse. If I had to describe Pujo, it would be friends, pandal hopping, late-night addas and food.
Priyanka Raja: My earliest memories are of sitting as kumari thakur at my maternal home, learning the customs and significance of the rituals. Over time, it became as much about social gatherings as rituals. Even after years helping with my mother’s barir pujo, I still cherish the daily morning anjali and evening aarati.

Quotes:

The Pujo aasche feeling is infectious. It turns all the pre-Pujo work into a celebration in itself. I look forward to the warmth of pujor bhog– Nandita RajaI prepare saris & gifts on lotus-adorned trays with my mother and mother-in-law every year. It is a cherished tradition that makes Pujo special – Priyanka RajaIt’s a tradition for Priyanka, our sons & I to dress in carefully chosen outfits, making every Pujo even more special each year– Prateek Raja
Pics: Anindya Saha