An Easter Tradition at Saldana Bakery

Saldanha Bakery Easter Egg

Come Easter, there is only one place we think of when it comes to getting our Easter eggs—Saldana Bakery.

Over the years, this has quietly become one of our little Easter traditions. No matter how busy life gets, we always try to make time for a visit and pick up our Easter treats from this iconic bakery.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about returning to the same place year after year. The excitement of Easter, combined with the familiarity of a much-loved bakery, makes the outing feel special every single time.

For us, Easter just doesn’t feel complete without making that stop at Saldana Bakery and bringing home their Easter eggs. Some traditions are worth holding on to, and this is definitely one of them.

Street food on Zakaria Street during Ramadan

 

With Eid coming closer, we decided one last trip to Zakaria Street for the amazing food during Ramadan. For those who know, you'll know why this is a must do!

A Quiet Nabami Visit

 

Durga idol at Utsav-Utsarg

There was a time when Durga Puja was the highlight of my year. The excitement of pandal hopping, soaking in the festive atmosphere, and admiring the creativity of the idols was something I eagerly looked forward to. Over the past few years, however, that enthusiasm has gradually faded.

This year, I decided to keep things simple and visit just the two community Durga Pujas closest to home—the pandals at the Utsav-Utsarg and Udita residential complexes. On Nabami, I took a leisurely walk to both, spending a few quiet moments appreciating the beautifully crafted idols and the decorations put together by the residents.

It wasn't about covering dozens of pandals or battling the crowds. Instead, it was a peaceful reminder that the spirit of Durga Puja can be found just as easily in the warmth of one's own neighbourhood. Sometimes, a simple visit is all it takes to reconnect with a festival that has been such an important part of life for so many years.

Durga Idol at Udita

Merry Christmas

St. Paul's Cathedral, Kolkata

Merry Christmas from us!

Park Street After Dark: Caps, Chaos & Boro Din!

 

With no real party plans for Christmas, we decided to do something far more adventurous—or perhaps foolhardy! After dinner, we got into the car and headed towards Park Street to witness first-hand the decorations, merriment and absolute chaos that descends upon Kolkata during Christmas and New Year.

Every year, the Government pulls out all the stops, and they take great pride in the crowds that throng Allen Park and spill across the length and breadth of Park Street to celebrate Boro Din. The pavements come alive with pop-up stalls selling everything from gifts and trinkets to food, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Park Street itself is transformed, lit up and decorated almost like Durga Puja all over again—just in a different avatar. The lights, the music, the crowds and the general sense of celebration make it feel as though the entire city has decided to converge on this one stretch of road.

And yes, we were mad. Brave. Perhaps even a little silly to voluntarily seek out this adventure!

But having made it this far, we decided to embrace the spirit of the evening. We stopped by one of the hawkers and bought ourselves a couple of those wonderfully tacky Christmas caps with flashing toony lights. Caps firmly planted on our heads, we continued our slow crawl through the festivities, looking quite ridiculous and loving every minute of it.

It took us a good half hour just to navigate the length of Park Street, as we witnessed what seemed like half of Kolkata descending upon the thoroughfare to celebrate Christmas. Cars barely moved, people were everywhere, and yet somehow there was a certain joy in all that madness.

It was chaotic. It was crowded. It was noisy. It was wonderfully Kolkata.

And as we finally made our way out of the melee, there was only one conclusion I could come to—

Totally worth it, I say!

Diwali, Crackers & Family Traditions

 

As always, Diwali was celebrated at my in-laws’ place, keeping alive a family tradition that has become something of an annual ritual. After the Lakshmi Puja, it was time for the fun to begin!

We headed out into the lawn to burst crackers, joined by the caretaker’s family. His two little girls look forward to the fireworks every year, and watching their excitement as the sky lit up with colour and sound was as much fun for us as it was for them.

This Diwali was made a little more special by the presence of my wife’s maternal grandmother. At her age, she probably travels more than the rest of us put together, shuttling between her daughters’ homes across the country—from Chennai to Mumbai and Kolkata!

With family, laughter, lights and a little bit of noise, it was yet another Diwali filled with the simple joys that make these festivals so special.

A New Year, An Old Connection & Memories in Tangra

One of my wife’s school friends, who was born and brought up in Kolkata’s Chinese community and now lives in Canada, was back in the city visiting her family for Chinese New Year. Naturally, it was the perfect excuse for us to celebrate the festival together in Tangra.

Kolkata has a fascinating Chinese heritage. For nearly two centuries, Chinese families have been an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, although the community has gradually dwindled as many families have moved overseas. But rather than turn this into a history lesson, this was simply about being there, celebrating, eating, laughing and enjoying the occasion with friends and family.

For me, though, there was an unexpected trip down memory lane.

I had quite a few Chinese friends back in school, and I remember actually being part of Chinese New Year celebrations with them. We would join the Dragon Dance and the festivities as a group, completely caught up in the excitement of it all. Looking back, that feels like it happened in another lifetime!

So, being in Tangra again, surrounded by the sounds, colours, food and energy of the celebrations brought many of those memories rushing back. The Dragon Dance, the familiar atmosphere and the community coming together felt wonderfully nostalgic.

But this time there was something new as well. I wasn't there as a schoolboy tagging along with friends; I was there with my wife, celebrating with her old friend and her family.

Old memories, new experiences, familiar traditions and good company — Chinese New Year in Tangra turned out to be much more than just a festival. It was a lovely reminder of how some connections, no matter how much time passes, have a way of bringing the past and present together.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🐉🧧

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. 🪔✨

Durga Puja 2011 - Day 5