Aindrita Ray, with Bengali roots, has embraced Karnataka and its culture over time. She shares that the celebrations and cuisines are quite similar between the two regions, making it easy for her to adapt. She mentions her annual tradition of visiting pandals in both Bengaluru and Kolkata, emphasizing the importance of community events during her childhood. Recalling her experiences helping to serve prasad during pujas, she fondly remembers her mother's kheer, now prepared vegan-friendly with coconut or almond milk and jaggery from Kolkata. While she admits struggling with traditional Bengali dance, Dhunuchi Naach, she appreciates the community support during such performances. Aindrita highlights how Durga Puja unites people regardless of background and expresses missing her childhood friends during the festive season.The ways of celebration in this place are not as extravagant as those in Kolkata, but they come pretty close to it," she comments. - Contributed by Karthikeyan Sairam