The sound of dhak, the blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds and festive cheer in the air. Yes, Durga puja is here. And for a food lover like me, Durga Puja means food. In this blog post, I will talk about food and Durga Puja. But first, let me tell you a few stories about Durga Puja bhog. Posts about food for mortals will follow. But the story first …
How did it all start- The Baroari Puja
The folklore goes like, to celebrate the win of the battle of Plassey, first Durgapuja was celebrated by few babus in Nadia and Kolkata village. But the Durga puja used to be celebrated in the traditional families and commoners were not allowed to enter. But few men thought otherwise. And Baroari Puja was borne. Today the form of puja we experience is called Baroari Puja. Around the late 17th century, fed up of family-owned puja, in a place called Guptipara in Hoogly, 12 friends pulled up their resources and started the first public puja. It was jagaddhatri puja and made way to public run Durga puja even. From 12 friends or 12 years, it was baaro-yaari puja and hence came the word baroari puja.
Source: Kolkata Bichitra book by Ramcharan Roy
To fish or not to fish?
And if 12 or more friends come together, can food be left far behind? No, not. Durga Puja is treated as a homecoming of the daughter. And it is treated differently for East Bengal and West Bengal. In East Bengal, matsyamukh (with fish) was favored, wherein in West Bengal, the Vaishnava vegetarian affair is more popular. eve, it is said that in East Bengal, offering a hilsa was mandatory. But surprisingly, the Vaishnava culture was predominant in West Bengal and this ensured a dominance of vegetarian fare.
Slaughter in Puja …
But in the Shakta culture, the offering of meat was perfectly alright. And hence, in few households, meat is offered as bhog to Goddess Durga. For puja special menu, a niramish mangsho (mutton cooked without onion and garlic) is done and offered to god. The story goes like, Bali is taken from the tantrik school of thought. It’s done during sandhi puja when Ashtami ends and Nabami starts. When Durga is worshipped at chamunda, who killed chanda and Munda. Here mutton is cooked without onion and garlic and the item is named as Niramish Mangso in served in the puja special menu.
Another story goes like, in earlier days, the non-brahmins were not allowed to offer cooked rice to the goddess in their Durga puja food. And hence, they offered uncooked rice with fruits and sweets. And an assortment of fruits and sweets (goja/ khaja etc) compensate rice or khichuri.
The last day …
Dasami is taken as the last day of goddess Durga before she leaves for her home in mount Kailash. And obviously, she doesn’t have the time to cook. Now, for the shortage of time to prepare a lavish Durga puja food, cold food a.k.a Panta Bhat is served to the goddess and the day, thus, is called as Shitol Bhog. Another folklore goes that, in Durga puja food, offering bari (mounted lentil dumpling) and achaar is strongly encouraged. The reason again being, the goddess is taken as the daughter of the house. And the household offers the unique homemade delicacies to her.
Even it is said that spoiled milk should not be offered to any god or goddess. and as a result, traditionally, no chhena (cottage cheese) sweets, like Sandesh or rasogolla, were used in the bhog during the Durga Puja food bhog. Mostly, the sugar made monda, Kodma, Batasa, Payesh etc ruled the bhog.
So, here are the few stories that I could gather from different sources and one of the primary articles that I’ve referred can be checked here.
Meal for two: INR 1000-1200 Appr
- Reservation: 9836732154 / 8697634551
Now, Durgapuja in Kolkata is that time of the year, when every restaurant of eating joint decks up with its offerings. and here is a small list for you to choose. And honestly, I don’t mind if you invite me to a few of them … just joking !!!
Peerless Inn
Where: Aaheli, Peerless Inn
When: All puja days
Timings: 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm (Afternoon) & 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm (Evening)
Meal for two at Aaheli The Peerless Inn, Kolkata will be Rs.3000+GST and buffet Rs.1895+GST per person.
Meal for two at Aaheli Rajarjat will be Rs.2500+GST and buffet Rs.1499+GST per person.
For Reservation kindly call 9831780403 (Aaheli, The Peerless Inn Kolkata), 62908 20229 (Aaheli, Axis Mall Rajarhat).
Vedic Village Spa Resort
Where: Coffee shop- Vedic Village Spa Resort
When: 5th, 6th,7th October
Timings: 12.30- 3.30 pm (only lunch)
Meal for one would cost Rupees 1349 all-inclusive
Where: Bhoomi (Bengali cuisine restaurant, Vedic Village Spa Resort)
When: 4th– 8th October
Timings: Lunch- 12pm to 3pm. Dinner, 7-11 pm
For queries related to Table booking please call 8336955999
Meal for One would cost Rupees 1299 all inclusive for veg thali and Rupees 1499 all inclusive for non-veg thali.
Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata
Where: Al Fresco
When: 4th October – 7th October 2019
Timing: Lunch Buffet – 1 pm to 4 pm & Dinner Buffet – 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm & Midnight Buffer – 12:30 am to 3 am.
Price: Lunch @ 2050++ Dinner @ 2150++ Midnight buffet @999++
Early bird offers are now available.
Navratri Thali: on till 8th October
Priced: INR 1500 AI per Thali.
For reservation, please call 9007728074 / 9163329108
Taj Bengal
Taj Bengal has got multiple offerings for the foodies. Please check them here …
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat
Where: Seasonal Tastes (The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat)
When:3rd – 8th October
Timings: 12.30- 3.00 pm (lunch) & 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (Dinner)
For bookings & reservations call on 033 4037 1234
Lunch per person would be around Rs. 1599 with food and soft drinks. Dinner per person would be the same.
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
Where: Waterside Cafe
When: 4 to 8 October
Timings: Lunch – 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM … Dinner – 7:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight …Mid-night – 01:00 AM to 03:00 AM
Meal for one: Lunch: INR 1999 A.I buffet Dinner: INR 1999 A.I buffet Midnight: INR 999 A.I buffet
What: Durga Puja Divine Feast
Where: Guchhi
When: 4th till 8th October
Timings: Lunch – 12:30 noon till 4 pm | Dinner: 7pm till 12 AM
Meal for one:
Lunch Vegetarian- 1499 AI; Non Vegetarian- 1699 AI
Dinner: Vegetarian- 1499 AI; Non Vegetarian- 1699 AI
JW Marriott Kolkata
When: 4th October – 8th October
Where: JW Kitchen
Timing: 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm (Lunch) 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Dinner) 12:30 am- 3:00 am (Midnight)
Lunch would be around Rs. 1450 per person, Dinner would be Rs. 1650 per person , and midnight would be Rs. 1270 per person. All the prices inclusive of food and soft beverages.
When: 5th October – 7th October
Where: Grand Ballroom (JW Marriott Kolkata)
Event: Mahabhoj at The Grand Ballroom
Timing: 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm (Lunch only)
The price per person would be around Rs.1350 per person.
ITC Royal Bengal:
When: 4th – 8th October, 2019
Where: Grand Pavillion
Timing: 12:30 – 3:30 pm (Lunch) 7:30 – 11:45 pm (Dinner)
Price: Lunch and Dinner Buffet per person at INR 2150 + applicable taxes
Restaurant: Ottimo serving Italian spread
Timing: Lunch & Dinner
Price: Tasting Menu – INR 2450+ per person
ITC Sonar
When: 4th – 8th October 2019
Where: Eden Pavilion
Time: 12:30 – 3:30 pm (Lunch) 7:30 – 11:45 pm (Dinner)
Details: Authentic Bengali delicacies
Price: Rs. 2150 + applicable taxes per person
Restaurant: Dum Pukht
Details: Traditional favorite thoughtfully selected in a thali
Timing: 12:30 – 3:30 pm (Lunch only)
Price: per person- Rs. 2499 + applicable taxes
Novotel, Kolkata
When: 4th – 8th October 2019
Where: The Square, Novotel Kolkata
Timing: 12.30 pm- 3 pm (Lunch) 7.30pm – 11.30 pm (Dinner)
Price: Rs. 1449 per person for Lunch Buffet, Rs. 1749 per person for Dinner Buffet
Hotel Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport
Where: Social Kitchen at Hotel Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport
When: 4th October – 7th October 2019
Timings: Lunch – 12.30 PM -4:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM- 12:00 AM
The Park Kolkata
What: Pujo Maha Bhoj (with Live Band, Dhaaki and Live Puja experience.)
Where: Rosewood Hall, The Park
When: 5th October / 6th October / 7th October
Timings: 12pm to 4pm
Price: Rs. 1495 per person inclusive of taxes
The Stadel, Kolkata
Where: The Stadel, Kolkata
When: 4th – 8th October 2019
Timing: 12 pm – 4 p.m (Lunch) 7 p.m Onwards (Dinner)
Price: Rs. 1499/- per person
For details call: 9674776103 /7003923052
Swissotel Kolkata
When: 3rd – 8th October 2019
Where: Maaya, Swissotel Kolkata
Activity: Maha Bhoj at Maaya
Timing: 12 PM – 3.30 PM (Lunch)
7 PM Onwards (Dinner)
From Neotia Hospitality
| Outlets | The Village | Orient CCSL | Orient CCNT | Capella | Afraa | East India Room | Sonar Tori |
| Name of the Event | Doshobhujar Mahabhoj | Culinary Festive Delight | Culinary Festive Delight | An Array Of Celebration | Pujo Mahotsav | Raajbarir Bhuri Bhoj | Sonar Torir Mahabhoj |
| Date | 4th-8th Oct | 3rd-8th Oct | 3rd-8th Oct | 4th-8th Oct | 4th-8th Oct | 4th-8th Oct | 4th-8th Oct |
| Time | 12.30-4.30pm / 7.30 – 10.30pm | 12.30-4.30pm / 7-11.30pm | 12.30-4.30pm, 7-11pm | 12.30-4.30pm / 7-11pm | 12.30-4.30pm / 7.30-12.30am | 12.30-4.30pm/ 7-11pm | 12.30-4.30pm / 7-11pm |
| Buffet Price per person | Buffet – 625+GST – Only Lunch | Buffet – 1099AI Only Lunch | Buffet – 1099AI Only Lunch | Buffet – 1199+GST Only Lunch | Buffet – 1199AI Lunch & Dinner | Buffet – 1200AI Lunch & Dinner | NV Thali – 1575AI / Veg Thali – 1265AI / Child Thali – 849AI ( Lunch & Dinner ) |
| Al a carte cost for 2 | 1200+GST | 1600+GST (Lunch & Dinner) | 1600+GST (Lunch & Dinner) | 2000+GST | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 1500+GST – Dinner Only |
| Address | Ecohub, Plot II/F/11, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata. Ph- 25693800 | City Centre Salt Lake, Block – E, 4th Floor, Sector – I. Ph: (+91) 9051477177/8420723665 | City Centre New Town, B006A, Action Area II – D, Rajarhat, Kolkata. Ph: 8697905725/9073647629 | Ecocentre, EM 4, EM Block, Salt Lake | 6th & 7th Floor, City Centre, G Block, Sector 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700064 | Swabhumi near Salt Lake Stadium | City Centre Saltlake, Block -B, 4th Floor. Salt Lake. Ph – 9874517000 |
This listing for Durga puja food is compiled on the basis of information received from different hotels and the pictures are taken from the same as well. So, if you’re looking to have some good family time, this compilation might come in handy …
Bon apetit !!!
I can be reached at 990352825 / indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com
2 comments
Excellent blog, loved it. Thank you.
Famous Indian Festivals
Thanks