A Glimpse of Maa Kali Across the Pond

 

While Durga Puja may be the grandest of all festivals in Bengal, there is also a devoted section of Bengalis who hold a very special place in their hearts for Maa Kali. Kali Puja may not match the scale of Durga Puja, but it is celebrated with just as much devotion and fervour.

This evening, while returning home, we spotted a beautifully decorated Kali Puja pandal across one of the ponds very close to our place. And yes, we do have quite a few ponds in our locality! Those familiar with Kolkata will know exactly what I mean—these little water bodies are almost a geographical feature of the city.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I stopped the car on the service road and took a little stroll to the other side of the pond to get a closer look at the Goddess.

Sometimes, you don't need to go looking for a festival. In Kolkata, the festival simply finds its way into your everyday life.

Lights, Laughter & a Little Bit of Magic ✨

 

Keeping with our annual tradition, we headed over to my in-laws’ place to celebrate the festival of lights. After the evening Puja, everyone gathered in the lawn, and we made sure the caretaker and his children joined us too. Festivals are always more special when they are celebrated together!

There were sparklers of every kind, a few rockets lighting up the night sky, and plenty of excitement as the kids ran around enjoying every moment. The lawn was filled with laughter, glowing lights and the unmistakable festive spirit.

And, of course, no celebration is complete without sweets and a delicious festive dinner to round off the evening.

Another beautiful evening of family, friends, lights and laughter—and another wonderful Diwali tradition to cherish. 🪔✨

When Jim Morrison Came Alive at The Tollygunge Club

 

The Tollygunge Club is always playing host to one musical extravaganza or another, and when we heard that Peace Frog, a Doors tribute band all the way from Venice Beach, California, was performing at the club, there was no way we were going to miss it. After all, with legends like FireHouse performing here, we knew the club wouldn’t just bring any ordinary act to town.

Boy, was the Main Lawn packed for this one!

Peace Frog certainly didn’t disappoint. The music, vocals and theatrics were so convincing that it felt as though Jim Morrison himself had come to life through the vocalist. From the haunting melodies to the unmistakable energy of The Doors, every moment transported us back to the golden era of rock.

It was a spectacular night of music, nostalgia and pure rock ’n’ roll—a chance to relive some of The Doors’ greatest classics, right here in Kolkata. What a show!

Schoolmates & Families at Tung Fong

 

And the the drive Back to Kolkata

One would have thought that the drive back would have been easier. In fact it was much worse.

Drive to Lalbagh, Murshidabad

The drive to Lalbagh, Murshidabad which is a little over 200 kms from Kolkata should ideally be a 5-5.5 hour drive but takes over 7 hours. It took us 7.5 hours to get there.