9 Durga Puja Must-Dos For Every Bengali Missing Home (Pic: Pexels) Do you feel it in the air? A sweet effervescence paired with a slight nip that screams happy tides are coming? Did you notice the cerulean sky dotted with cotton candy clouds and an inaudible music playing inside your head? Then you, my friend, much like me – is suffering from a case of pujo fever. For millions like us, who stay hundreds of miles away from home, this is a period of both joy and an unwavering sense of nostalgia – a yearning to head home to welcome Uma and her children into our houses and hearts. For Durga Puja is not just a festival for Bengalis - it is an emotion, a homecoming and a celebration that brings back memories of childhood, family, food and endless adda. And for those (like me) who live away from Bengal, the festive season can sometimes come with a little homesickness. You may be miles away from your para, your family and that familiar puja pandal, but that does not mean you have to miss out on the spirit of Pujo. If you are a Bengali living away from home this Durga Puja, here are nine things you absolutely must do to keep the festive spirit alive. Pujo is incomplete without dressing up (Pic: Pexels) Pujo is incomplete without dressing up. Bring out the traditional sarees, dhotis, kurtas and panjabis. Whether it is a classic white-and-red saree, a gorgeous taant or a crisp kurta, make every day of Pujo an excuse to dress traditionally. I mean why only feel it, you need to look the part! This is an absolute must. You may not be in Kolkata, but there are high chances that there is a Bengali association organising Durga Puja somewhere nearby. Visit the local pandal, offer anjali, admire the idol and soak in the familiar sounds of dhaak, chants, conch sheels and ullu-dhwani. Even a small community puja can instantly make an unfamiliar city feel like home to the homesick soul. Ask any Bengali and you would know that Durga Pujo and Pet Pujo are inseparable. So head out, look for a Bengali restaurant or community bhog near you, or simply cook your favourite dishes at home. From khichuri and labra to luchi, aloo dum, kosha mangsho and mishti doi, let your taste buds take you straight back to Bengal. Durga Pujo and Pet Pujo are inseparable (Pic: Pexels) No matter how busy you are, make time for your parents and family back home. If you are missing them, chances are they are missing you equally badly. A quick video call during anjali or bhog can make you feel connected to the people you would normally celebrate Pujo with. No Durga Pujo gets even started (forget complete) without the annual Mahisasurmardini on Mahalaya. Make sure you get up at 4am and listen to Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s iconic recitation to get into the pujo fervour. Yes, we know you will probably fall asleep in between, but trust me, its worth it. No Durga Pujo gets even started (forget complete) without the annual Mahisasurmardini on Mahalaya If you are feeling homesick and lonely during Durga Puja, probably you are not the only one. Nothing beats a good Bengali adda. Invite friends over, order some food, talk about Pujo memories and argue passionately about everything from the best pandal to the best Bengali film of the year. If the Bengali cultural association Durga Puja allows it, participate in the celebrations on Dashami. Dp the dhunuchi naach, cheer during the dhaak performances and experience the emotional farewell to Maa Durga. These traditions can make you feel surprisingly close to home. The final day of Durga Pujo can be an emotional roller coaster ride (Pic: Pexels) Pujo memories deserve to be documented. Take pictures in your festive outfits, capture the idol, pandal, food and your friends. Years later, these photographs may become some of your most treasured reminders of celebrating Pujo away from Bengal.