It took less than five minutes for a huge box full of Chanar Jilipi (Jalebi made of paneer) to get sold at Kamona Sarkar's stall. The dal puri and fish chops at Surekha Das' stall were also seeing several eager takers.
The Durga Pooja celebrations organised by The Bengal Association began with a very interesting menu here on Tuesday.
The event, titled 'Anandamela', symbolises the celebration of a daughter coming home from her husband's place. “Durga Ma is the daughter of the house. Since she is coming to her parents' home, the entire family is elated and the best of dishes are prepared by the family,” said Mousumi Chakraborty, one of the organising members.
Traditional dishes
Women-members of the Association had prepared traditional Bengali dishes for sale at stalls put up at the venue. “The chops are made of rohu fish (found in freshwater). It is a very special preparation,” said Surekha Das, who has been in Chennai for over three decades. “I do not miss being in Kolkata for the puja. I love it here. This is our home,” she said.
Somnath Bhattacharya, who came to the city about five years ago, feels equally at home.
“The Association is very active and it is great to come together for festivals,” he said, helping his wife pack chicken cutlets.
Brisk business
The chat counter, which had some varieties that are not commonly available in chat shops, also saw some brisk business. The food fest was followed by a cultural show and fancy dress programme for children.
A lot of effort has gone into the event, in order to ensure that the flavour of the celebration is intact, said A.P. Chakraborty, president of The Bengal Association. “Artists came down from Kolkata to make the idols. We will also have musicians coming from there for the cultural show we have planned,” he said. The celebration is on till Sunday.
