Although Aindrita Ray originally hails from a Bengali background, she has also developed a deep connection to Karnataka and its culture over time. She explains that the celebrations and cuisines in the two regions are quite similar, making it easy for her to adapt to the new culture. During a recent visit to a puja pandal in Ulsoor, she emphasized that attending pandals is a tradition that she upholds annually, whether in Bengaluru or Kolkata.

Reflecting on her childhood experiences in Bengaluru during puja festivities, Aindrita fondly remembers feeling important while helping with the community event. She describes how her mother, a core committee member, would involve her and her friends in distributing fruits and prasad to the attendees. A vegan now, Aindrita appreciates her mother's efforts to adapt traditional dishes like kheer by using coconut or almond milk along with jaggery from Kolkata.

Recalling her attempts at the traditional Bengali dance, Dhunuchi Naach, Aindrita admits her lack of proficiency but admires the community support for those participating in the performance. She highlights the inclusive nature of Durga Puja, emphasizing that it brings together people from various backgrounds in celebration.

Despite her fond memories of puja celebrations, Aindrita expresses missing her childhood friends during this festive season, as many have moved abroad or to other cities. She reflects on the simplicity and closeness of the community in the past, noting the changes due to the proliferation of pandals in present times."She mentions that the ways of celebrating there are not as elaborate as in Kolkata, but they come very close to it," she says. - With contributions from Karthikeyan Sairam.