Fine Art

The festival of our heart it might be,but Durga Puja also embraces those who are not technically a part of the city. Some are overwhelmed by it some take to it like fish to water. From today,we ask expats from across the world to pen down their Durga Puja experience. Today Shaun Kenworthy tells us why Puja was just waiting to happen to him

Ever since I have been in Kolkata (from 2001) it does not fail to amaze me,what an extensive celebration of art the Pujas are. I used to stay in Lord Sinha Road for some time after I came to the city and nothing much happened there in terms of Puja. But later,especially after I got married,I took to traveling to Kumartuli 2-3 weeks before the Pujas. The scene at the idol makers’ quarters around that time is resplendent with colours,interesting forms and multi-tasking artisans running against time to meet deadlines. It’s from then that you realize that the Puja is a celebration of art more than anything else. The pandals,the themes,organizers competing with each other to come up with the best Puja idea,just vindicates my belief that it all boils down to art and beauty,rather than religion.

And then,from one of the firsts Pujas I celebrated in Kolkata,I used to take a boat trip in the Ganges and witness the immersion. The immersion too made for a mind-boggling,dramatic scene,the euphoria was like nothing I had seen before in life.

I didn’t visit many pandals the first Puja I spent here,but last year I was invited to a friend’s house,who has a Puja in his house. It was the first time I saw a sandhi puja and I was left speechless. The diyas,the incense smoke,the whole buzz – it was fabulous. I intend to return for the sandhi puja again this year.

Shaun Kenworthy is a celebrity chef,consultant and entrepreneur. He came to India from England in 2000 and now shuttles between the two countries. He is married to a Bengali,former model and painter Pinky.