8 Reasons Why you should strictly not travel to Kolkata during Durga Pujo!!!

Kolkata Durga Puja is one of a kind in this whole wide world. It is second identity of the city of Joy. Any bollywood movie based on Kolkata has to and must show ....'Durga Pujo' ....be it Kahani, Devdas, Parineeta ....and the list goes on. So what is so special about it? Being a probashi bangali (Bengali who doesn't stay in Bengal) I was very excited about my first Durga pujo in Kolkata, until I realized that one should strictly not travel to Kolkata during Pujo...here are the 7 reasons-

1.It is all crazy here during Puja!!!

All people are on roads. Everything looks completely berserk. The traffic the crowd everything goes topsy turvy... It starts with Panchami and gets deteriorated with each passing day! The smoky spell of the dhunuchi , the Dhaaker saaj, the pujor moha bhog eaten together, witnessing all the festivities amidst chaos....It is hard not to get crazy !!

2. You cant reach anywhere on time.

Last Durga puja it took me lesser time to travel from 1491 from Delhi to kolkata than to travel 14 kms from Kolkata airport to my house.Not that city traffic snarls have any real appreciation of rules and restrictions at any time of the year, but during pujo everything goes berserk. Public transport super crowdy and not even Pili Kali taxi at your disposal .... With the whole city converted in a maze due to various pandals and change in routes....you cant reach anywhere at time.

3. Its all noisy since the start of Mahalaya

There is mantrochchar and pujo sounds all over giving a very sacred and nostalgic feeling. The pounding of the dhaaks (a double-sided drum played with sticks) take you to another world altogether!!! But what about the chaos and insomnia caused by loudspeakers announcing random advertises and contest? Migraine for sure!!!

4. Whats this craze of Pandal Hopping? Pandal hopping all night? Havent you got any work? Like seriously?(Eyes Rolling). Doesn't all of them look some kind of same. (Yes to creatively challenged ppl like me)

5. You end up overeating ....destroying all your well cherished dieting plans

So all your relatives have this one goal to make you eat more and more...till your stomach overflows and intestine literally bursts!

6. You cant even feel sad properly even when all your money is spent on shopping! The city of Joy is in super joyous mood

Every time you find a reason you should feel sad the pujo vibes will blow it away and make you shop hard. All money spent on dresses and gifts....you cant feel sad even at the verge of bankruptcy!!

7.The Peer pressure of dressing up is Killing AF!!!

So the enthusiasm all around subconsciously put so much pressue to dress your best. And dont forget all the shopping which led you to bankruptcy....you must utilise them once atleast....isnt it? Right time to flaunt your love for Sarees!

8. Bisorjon and Sindur Khela sure to make you feel sad and nostalgic!

When the all ten den festivities end and its time to bid adieu....bisorjon makes you emotional and sad. With the promise of Asche bochor abar hobe.....its difficult to part ways and get back to your mundane routine!!!

This was my version of Durga Pujo as a  Probashi Bangali. So NOW you know what to expect when you travel to City of Joy during the crazy festivities of Durga Pujo ...so Beware!!!!!!!

Fir mat kahna ki BATAYA NAHI THA!!