Chanchal Chowdhury revisits childhood Durga Puja memories

“I will spend Durga Puja in my home town, as always”, said National Award Winning actor Chanchal Chowdhury, with quite an excited demeanour over the phone. The Aynabaji and Monpura famed superstar hails from the village of Kamarhat in Pabna, a place he remembers fondly from his childhood.

The actor, who is one of the most sought after artistes in the industry, grew up with seven siblings, with their family struggling to manage finances at times. However, Durga Puja was a celebration for the entire family, as everyone received new clothes and a bundle of joy in the form of festivities. “I have travelled all around the world and experienced this festival, but nothing beats the times when we were in Kamarhat. Those were the best memories of my life,” said an emotional Chanchal Chowdhury. “There was no shortage of fun and laughter, as the Puja took place in five different places in the village.”

“Even though in Dhaka, I live near Siddheshwari Kali Mandir, which boasts grand festivities in its own right, I rush off to my home town every chance I get,” said the actor, who used to celebrate the occasion for an entire month, when he was young. “Not only do the Hindus celebrate Puja, many of my Muslim friends rush back to our hometown to be a part of the celebrations.”

Every year, when one of the most colourful holidays of the calendar ends, Chanchal Chowdhury immediately looks forward to the next year -- when he can meet and spend this joyous occasion with his friends and family again.