Modern twist to a timeless memory

By engaging deeply with our consumers and monitoring online chatter, we can identify emerging trends swiftly and efficiently

- MANISH TIWARY

On Sunday morning, a WhatsApp ping from my childhood buddy Amlan Da popped up, wishing me “Shubho Mahalaya.” Instantly, I was transported back to my childhood in Jamshedpur, where we would rise at the crack of dawn - 4 a.m., to be precise - tuning into All India Radio to hear the soulful recitation of Mahishasurmardini in the baritone voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra, marking the arrival of autumn and the festive Durga Pujo.

I remember my father's urgent voice: “Hurry, we'll miss the train to Calcutta!” as my mother, two sisters, and I boarded the train to the 'City of Joy.' In those days, Kolkata was still called Calcutta. We would go pandal hopping, savouring the bhog, with the air thick with the fragrance of dhuno - the smoky incense that followed us, as did the hypnotic beat of 'dhaak' (drums played during Durga Puja). Hand in hand, my sisters and I would navigate the crowds, eyes wide with wonder at goddess Durga.

Our Pujo trip was a cultural immersion. We would take a quick spin around the grand Victoria Memorial, followed by a serene drive along Strand Road, by the river Hooghly. No trip was complete without stopping at the legendary sweetshop Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick, and leave with tons of 'mishtir baaksho' (boxes filled with dessert) with utter excitement. The year was 1975, a time forever etched in my memory!

Consumption Moments!

Thoda Hatkae