Maa Elo Ghore: Creating Our Own Pujo at The Best Old Age Home in Kolkata— The Unforgettable Durga Puja Celebration: A Jagriti Dham Story (Part 1)

For many, the first hint of autumn in the air brings with it an undeniable feeling, a palpable tangent of joy and excitement. It’s the feeling of Durga Puja. It’s the echo of the dhaak, the fragrance of incense, and the warmth of her homecoming. 

Yet, as the years pass, this joy can sometimes be mingled with a quiet sense of nostalgia, a longing for the grand celebrations of the past, and perhaps a feeling of being disconnected from the vibrant festivities. If you have ever felt a pang of loneliness during this beautiful time, please know that you are not alone, and that feeling is completely valid.

The true essence of Durga Puja, however, isn’t confined to the grand pandals or the bustling crowds. It resides in the spirit of community, in shared laughter, in collective prayer, and in the joy of welcoming the Mother Goddess into our hearts and homes. And old age can never stop a bengali’s aspiration of Durga Puja. This is what we have ensured for senior citizens this year at Jagriti Dham – Luxury Old Age Home Kolkata. 

The purpose of this article is to guide you through this emotional journey, showing you how the festive spirit can be rekindled and celebrated with immense dignity and joy, right where you are with Jagtiti Dham getting the best of senior living and elderly care. After years of our residents being spectators or pandel hoppers at different pandels, we decided to become hosts this year. We brought Maa Durga home. This is our story, and we hope it serves as a guide for creating your own unforgettable Puja celebrations. We are happy to share the Puja Celebrations here at Jagriti Dham with most luxurious retirement communities.

Step 1: Building the ‘Pujo Pujo Bhaab’ (The Pre-Puja Excitement)

The magic of Durga Puja begins long before the main rituals. It starts with the ‘Pujo Pujo bhaab’—that untranslatable Bengali feeling of festive anticipation. Creating this buzz is the foundational step, turning passive waiting into active, joyful participation.

The Joy of Choosing: The Pre-Puja Shopping Ritual

There is a unique thrill in choosing a new set of clothes for Puja. It’s a tradition that signifies renewal and respect for the festivities. On September 16th, our residents, accompanied by the ever-helpful care team, took a trip to the bustling markets of Aamtala’s Shopping malls. This outing was about so much more than just a transaction.

It was about the shared experience of browsing through colourful textiles, the friendly debates over which saree or kurta looked best, and the simple, profound joy of preparing for an auspicious occasion. Seeing the smiles on our residents’ faces as they held up their chosen outfits was the first true beat of the dhaak for us this year. It was a tangible start to the celebrations, a day of camaraderie and excitement.

An Overture of Culture: Celebrating Our Talents Together

The spirit of Puja is also a celebration of culture and art. On September 23rd, our in-house community hall was transformed into a stage for our residents’ talents. The Pre-Puja celebration, or ‘Debi Baran’, was an event by the residents of and the care team of our Old Age Home in Kolkata – Jagriti Dham, for the residents.

The evening began with a soul-stirring prayer song by our beloved Malaya Dida, her voice setting a tone of pure devotion. This was followed by a beautiful tapestry of performances: heartfelt recitations of poetry, harmonious group songs that filled the hall with melody, and graceful dances that told stories of their own. It was a powerful reminder that creativity and talent know no age. The event culminated in a special Puja lunch, because no Bengali celebration is complete without the joy of sharing a delicious Bhoj.

Step 2: Embracing Both Tradition and Community (Connecting with the City’s Pulse)

Celebrating in-house doesn’t mean disconnecting from the outside world. In fact, bridging the intimacy of a close-knit retirement living community with the grandeur of the city’s festivities can make the experience even richer.

A Nostalgic Journey: The Thrill of Pandal Hopping

On Sasthi, the day the Puja officially begins across the city, we embraced a cherished tradition. Our residents and care team went pandal hopping, visiting some of the most famous artistic creations in and around the Joka neighbourhood.

This was a bridge between the past and the present. It was a chance to admire the incredible craftsmanship, to soak in the vibrant festive energy of the crowds, and to feel part of the city-wide celebration. The outing was filled with smiles and awe throughout their faces and even a relaxing break at a local café. It was the perfect way to honour the traditions they’ve known all their lives before commencing our own unique worship back home.

Step 3: Welcoming Maa into Our Own Home (Creating a Sacred Space)

This year’s celebration was defined by one profound shift: Maa wasn’t somewhere we visited; Her divine presence graced our own home. Creating this sacred space was a journey of immense love and devotion for the entire Jagriti Dham old age home family.

The Sacred Awakening: The Reverence of Kola Bou Snan

Saptami morning began with one of the most ancient and significant rituals: the Kola Bou Snan. The ‘Kola Bou’, a young banana plant draped in a red-bordered saree, symbolises the divine feminine energy of the Goddess. With utmost reverence, our care team member Mr. Dutta carried the Kola Bou to a nearby water body for a ceremonial bath.

This quiet, sacred procession marked the true beginning of the worship within Jagriti Dham. As the first rays of the sun glistened on the water, there was a collective feeling of peace and sanctity. Maa had officially arrived. The detailed puja samagri—from the hand-painted pottery and decorative fans to the fresh fruits and flowers—was meticulously arranged, transforming a simple room into a sanctified temple.

Step 4: Participating with Heart and Soul (The Core Rituals)

The heart of Durga Puja lies in the rituals that allow for personal and collective participation, connecting each individual to the divine. This is where devotion takes centre stage.

An Offering of Gratitude: The Collective Prayer of Pushpanjali

Ashtami morning is synonymous with Pushpanjali, the offering of flowers to the Goddess. Our residents gathered, reflecting deep faith, to participate in this beautiful ceremony. With fresh flowers in their cupped hands, they chanted the sacred mantras along with the priest.

In that moment, the room was filled with a singular, powerful energy of collective prayer and gratitude. Each flower offered was a personal prayer, a symbol of devotion from every heart in the room. It was an incredibly moving experience, reinforcing the sense of a shared spiritual journey.

The Divine Glow: The Meditative Power of Sandhi Puja

The transition from Ashtami to Nabami is marked by the Sandhi Puja, one of the most powerful moments of the entire festival. As dusk fell, our Puja room was prepared for this special worship, culminating in the lighting of 108 earthen lamps, or diyas.

The sight was breathtaking. The soft, golden glow of 108 flames flickered in unison, illuminating the serene face of the Goddess and the devout faces of our residents. This ritual is a quiet, meditative experience, a moment of intense spiritual connection. It was the absolute climax of our worship, a memory of divine radiance that will stay with us forever.

A Celebration of Spirit and Togetherness

This is the real advantage of living in an old age facility. You get to enjoy the best of both worlds. You can have the fun of visiting the city’s big pandals, always knowing that a caring person is with you for support. At the same time, you can come back home to our own peaceful puja celebrations. This special mix of exciting outings and comfortable, in-house events is what we focus on—making sure you can enjoy every part of the festival with happiness and without any hassle.

From the first shopping trip to the divine glow of the Sandhi Puja, our Durga Puja celebration was a testament to a simple truth: the scale of a celebration doesn’t define its spirit. The true essence of Pujo lies in togetherness, active participation, and creating a home for the divine, and for each other. At Old Age Home in Kolkata, Jagriti Dham, we learned that we don’t need to travel far to find the joy of the festival; we can create it right here, with love and community as our foundation.

The celebrations, however, were not yet over. The emotional climax of Dashami, with its vibrant Sindoor Khela and the promise of “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” (Maa will come again next year), is a story for another day. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Jagriti Dham’s Durga Puja diaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can seniors celebrate Durga Puja if they can’t go pandal hopping?

Seniors can have incredibly fulfilling celebrations without extensive pandal hopping. The focus can shift to in-house activities like organising a small cultural program, decorating the premises, participating in simplified rituals like Pushpanjali at home, and enjoying festive meals with fellow residents. As we did at our Old Age Home in Kolkata – Jagriti Dham, a single, planned pandal visit can also be organised for those who are able, blending tradition with comfort.

2. What are the most important rituals of Durga Puja for families?

While Durga Puja has many detailed rituals, the core elements for a family or community celebration include the Pran Pratishtha (invoking the deity) on Saptami, the Pushpanjali on Ashtami (a beautiful ritual for all ages to participate in), the powerful Sandhi Puja between Ashtami and Nabami, and the final farewell rituals on Dashami.

3. How can one deal with loneliness during festivals like Durga Puja?

Feeling lonely during festivals is a common experience, especially for seniors. The best way to combat this is by fostering a sense of community. Actively participating in group activities, even small ones, can make a huge difference. At senior living communities like Jagriti Dham, we ensure a full calendar of events to keep everyone engaged. Reaching out to family and friends through video calls and sharing festive moments can also help bridge the distance. The key is to shift from being a passive observer to an active participant.