In the first part of our Durga Puja diary, we shared the story of Maa Durga’s arrival at Jagriti Dham, filling our home with the divine fragrance of shiuli flowers, the resonance of mantras, and a palpable sense of homecoming. The initial days were a whirlwind of devotion and delight, setting the stage for a spectacular finale. If the first days were about welcoming the daughter home, the final day, Vijaya Dashami, was about sending her off with so much love and festivity that the glow would last until she returns—a signature celebration of the Best Old Age Home in Kolkata – Jagriti Dham family.
If you haven’t read Part 1 of our celebration, catch the essence of our journey here: Durga Puja Celebration at Jagriti Dham
Welcome back to the story of our first-ever Durga Puja. This isn’t just a chronicle of rituals; it’s a story of how a senior citizen retirement community found the true meaning of celebration in shared laughter, rhythmic steps, and the promise of a joyful tomorrow. This is the story of our Bijaya Dashami Celebration.
As the Navami evening sky deepened into a festive indigo, a different kind of energy began to pulse through our courtyard. The solemn dhak beats of the morning made way for the electrifying rhythms of Dandiya! The air with the scent of incense and flowers, now crackled with elegance. Our residents, draped in their festive finery, and our ever-enthusiastic care team gathered, their faces glowing with excitement.
What followed was a beautiful, chaotic, and utterly joyous spectacle. Wooden sticks clicked together in a lively rhythm as residents played dandiya with other fellow residents and the care team. Their joy was the loudest instrument in the orchestra. It was a sight to behold – a testament to the fact that joy knows no age. Residents, short-stay guests, and caregivers of the Best Old Age Home in Kolkata – Jagriti Dham all became one dancing family.
One of our most spirited residents Subir Uncle, his face flushed with joy, later exclaimed, “I felt like I was back in my university days! I haven’t danced like this in decades. Jagriti Dham team don’t just look after us; they help us live again. They remind us of the young, joyful person that is still inside each of us.” The Dandiya dance and celebration was a powerful declaration that at Jagriti Dham, every beat of life is worth celebrating, together.
Just as the last echoes of the Dandiya music faded, a different, more ancient rhythm began to take hold. The beat of the dhak grew more insistent, more hypnotic. Then came the scent, unmistakable and sacred—the thick, aromatic fragrance of dhuno (a traditional resinous incense) purifying everything it touched.
Our courtyard was transformed into a divine stage. Earthenware pots, the dhunuchis, were filled with burning coconut husks and fragrant dhuno, creating plumes of mystical smoke that glowed against the night sky. To the powerful, pulsating rhythm of the dhak, members of our care team and some of our more agile residents stepped forward. Balancing the heavy, smoking dhunuchis in their hands, and sometimes even their mouths, they began the traditional dance of devotion. It was the final, powerful act of devotion before the bittersweet farewells that awaited in the morning.
In the midst of this beautiful swirl of activity, a truly magical moment unfolded. Ghosh dida, with her gentle smile and sparkling eyes, watched the other fellow residents dancing from her wheelchair. That’s when our wonderful caregiver, Asmita, noticed. She didn’t just invite Ghosh dida; she brought the celebration to her. Taking both of Ghosh dida’s hands gently in her own, Asmita began to move in time with the music. She swayed to the beat, gently raising and lowering their joined hands, creating a dance of their own. Ghosh dida didn’t leave her wheelchair. She didn’t need to. A beautiful, beaming smile lit up her face.
Reflecting on that beautiful exchange, Asmita shared, “Senior Citizen care is not a duty for us at Jagriti Dham, it’s a connection. Her smile was the real music of the evening. It wasn’t about perfect steps; it was about a perfect moment of happiness.“
As the sun rose on Vijaya Dashami, the mood shifted from boisterous energy to a deep, soulful reverence. Today was the day to say goodbye. Not a sad goodbye, but a fond farewell to a daughter, our Dashabhuja Maa Durga, as she prepared for her journey back to Kailash. And in Bengal, this farewell is painted in the auspicious, vibrant colour of red through the beautiful ritual of Sindoor Khela.
Our wonderful senior ladies, including the graceful Malaya dida, the ever-smiling Madhulika aunty, and the resilient Ghosh dida, along with other female residents led the ceremony. They approached the idol with their boron dalas—platters laden with betel leaves, sweets, and the star of the ceremony, the crimson sindoor. With gentle hands, they performed the Devi Boron, wiping Maa’s face with a betel leaf, offering her sweets, and whispering their prayers and heartfelt wishes into her ear, promising to wait eagerly for her return.
After applying a dot of sindoor to the Goddess’s feet and forehead, the play began, the ladies turned to each other. Faces broke into wide smiles and playful laughter as they lovingly smeared the red sindoor on each other’s foreheads and cheeks. It was a beautiful scene—a canvas of white and red, where the vermilion symbolised not just marriage and auspiciousness, but a deep bond of friendship and community forged right here at Jagriti Dham, undoubtedly the Best Old Age Home in Kolkata.
With faces aglow and hearts full, it was time for the final ritual—the Bisarjan, or immersion. This moment was particularly heart-rending for all of us, as it marked the successful culmination of the very first Durga Puja organised and celebrated entirely by the Jagriti Dham family. After the boron and sindoor khela, the idol was lifted for the বিদায় প্রদক্ষিণ (farewell procession). It was the time to send the daughter of Bengal back to her abode in Kailash.
The resonant beats of the dhak returned, this time with a bittersweet rhythm. The entire community, residents and team members alike, joined the procession, their voices rising in a powerful, unified chant: “Asche bochor abar hobe!” (She will come again next year!). This wasn’t a cry of loss, but a powerful affirmation of hope. It’s a promise that the celebration, the joy, and the togetherness will return, more vibrantly than ever.parikram
Our procession made its way to a nearby water body, where, with immense love and reverence, Devi Maa was gently immersed. As her earthly form dissolved back into the elements, it felt like a promise had been sealed in the hearts of everyone present. A promise of her return, and a promise that the spirit of community we had built would endure long after the last echo of the dhak had faded.
At Jagriti Dham, we believe that the spirit of celebration is a cornerstone of our philosophy of active ageing. So, even though the official rituals of Durga Puja were over, the evening had another spark of joy waiting for our residents. Our Senior Living Care Team member, the wonderfully creative Ms. Sushmita, designed a unique and delightful a Competition of Light – Candle Lighting Competition
The concept was simple, safe, and full of warmth. Residents gathered for a friendly challenge: who could light the most candles in a minute? The sitting area near Jagriti Dham reception was soon filled with the soft, golden glow of dozens of tiny flames, and the even warmer glow of smiles and gentle laughter. It was a beautiful sight, promoting focus and a bit of friendly rivalry. “Happiness doesn’t come with youth; it comes with togetherness,” said Ms. Sushmita. “At Jagriti Dham, we don’t just take care — we celebrate care.”
But in the true spirit of our community, this was never about winning. It was about participating, about sharing a fun experience, and about keeping the light of festivity burning bright. And so, irrespective of their scores, every single participant was honoured with a gift. It was a joyful, memorable evening that perfectly embodied our belief that in life, every effort to participate and be present is a victory worth celebrating.
From the vibrant energy of a Durga Puja Parikrama (as you have read in Part 1 of this Durga Puja Celebration at Jagriti Dham series) to the serene devotion of our own in-house celebration, Jagriti Dham being a caring and luxurious old age home provided the best of both worlds, giving residents the cherished privilege of worshipping Maa Durga without missing a single festive moment. The end of Durga Puja always brings a unique blend of emotions—a gentle quietness after five days of festive sound, a sweet satisfaction from the celebrations, and the deep-seated, hopeful ache of waiting for next year. As the last candle flame flickered out and the echoes of the dhak faded into the autumn night in Jagriti Dham, we were left with this beautiful, lingering feeling.
While trying to find the perfect words to capture this emotion, we came across a simple yet profound poem on the internet. Though its poet remains unknown as per google’s sources, the words felt as if they were written for us, perfectly describing the sentiment left behind in every heart at Jagriti Dham. The poem reads:
শুধু থেকে যায় তোমার আশীর্বাদ,
আর বিজয়ার মিষ্টি মুখের মৃদু স্বাদ।
আবার আসবে তুমি, তাই অপেক্ষা করি,
নতুন ভোরে, নতুন রূপে, আবার মা দুর্গা, এসো ফিরে।
(Collected from Google)
In English, it beautifully translates to:
“Only your blessings remain,
And the gentle taste of Vijaya’s sweet offerings.
You will come again, and so we wait,
In a new dawn, in a new form, Mother Durga, please return.”
This is precisely the feeling that now resides with us. The sweetness of Vijaya is not just in the mishti we shared, but in the smiles that still linger on the faces of our residents. This wish—”may this happiness remain, year after year“—is what we strive for every single day at Jagriti Dham. It was a testament to our belief in holistic living, where joy and active ageing are celebrated every day. And now, we wait. We wait with hearts full of gratitude. And with one voice, we say with unwavering hope: Asche bochor abar hobe!
Want to learn more on the other celebrations at Jagriti Dham, click on this blog to know more. https://www.jagritidham.com/senior-community-festivals/
Schedule a visit to Jagriti Dham to learn more about our vibrant community and how we celebrate life every day.
This story wasn’t written from a desk; it was written from the center of a celebration, from the side of a wheelchair filled with joy, and amidst the vibrant vermillion of Sindoor Khela. The author is the Jagriti Dham Content Team, and we had the profound privilege of being present for every moment of our Durga Puja celebration. We saw the smiles, heard the laughter, and felt the deep sense of community firsthand. Every word you’ve read is a genuine reflection of the events, and the authenticity of this celebration can be seen in our photos and videos, captured right from the heart of our home near IIM Calcutta, Joka. At Jagriti Dham, we don’t just report on life; we live it alongside our residents.
Ready to discover a community that prioritises your well-being and happiness? Come to Jagriti Dham and unwrap the greatest gift — an unforgettable experience that enables you to enjoy life by being happy and healthy.
Contact us today to schedule a tour of Jagriti Dham, one of the Most Luxurious Senior Citizen Homes of Kolkata. Our friendly staff is eager to show you the exceptional lifestyle and the personalised care for elderly we offer.
Jagriti Dham
Merlin Greens, Ibiza Club,
Diamond Harbour Road,
Kolkata – 743503
Landmark – 30 minutes drive from Joka IIM Calcutta
