Vishal S S (cbedit@imaws.org)
The global pandemic had brought dull sales among the hoteliers in Kolkata. The usual business that happens during this pandemic had impacted the hoteliers. ChefBharath interacted with a few leading hoteliers and cafes who shared their views of the sale during this pandemic.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is the grandest of all festivals celebrated in the capital city in honor of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. While the festival of Durga Puja is without a doubt celebrated very grand across the world. Kolkata, during this time of the year, decks up like a princess. Every nook and corner of the city gets decorated with various designs of lights.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is all about grandeur and creativity rather than rituals. Celebrations begin on the Shashti Tithi and wind up on the Dashami Tithi. The magnificent theme pandals are indeed a treat to watch, the Pandals with grand idols of Goddess Durga are open for visitors. The final day, also known as Dashami marks the Visarjan (immersion in water) of the idol with grand celebrations and processions.
COVID – 19 Protocols
People in large numbers visited puja pandals across several states. As per the government protocols only fully vaccinated people are only allowed to enter and see the pandals. Quite a relaxation has been issued on the perspective of the festival but the order will be effective only from October 10 to October 20.
Food and Sweets
“Covid- 19 Pandemic has brought us to stand still during the lockdown, I had two restaurant branches at Kolkata, due to lack of revenue generation, I had to shut down one branch. We were very scared to invest more capital because of this loss. People were not coming out of their houses even after the pandemic, they were more dependent on home delivery. We are working hard to bring the people back to the hotel for experiencing the dining and by providing them neat and hygiene foods which is more important during this festival time, due to this the expenses are also heading up which is not manageable during this festival time” said Mr. Biplab Basu, Proprietor, Petuk, Kolkota.
Kolkata is reputed to be a foodie’s circle hub. Food is the biggest feast during the Durga Puja festival and during this period you are bound to find the most delicious and incredible variety of Bengali cuisine, these include snacks and sweet dishes that only Kolkata is famous for; to the Kolkata Durga Puja, special themed Bhog meals that have a little of everything. All the pandals offer Bhog which is considered to be the offerings made to the Goddess Durga which is later distributed among the devotees.
” Post Covid – 19 pandemic has become so severe as nobody is turning into the cafe’s or restaurant’s, people are mostly depending on junk foods. During our festival, we used to eat sweets and other organic foods, but now the people have changed. Only sixty percent of our business is happening. At this point, the rate of profit doesn’t exist. Festivals are happening but it is not like before”. said Mr. Prashant Raj, Partner, The ON Cafe, Kolkota.
During the first lock down, it was nation wide shut down. This was the time when most of the business had to go for a stand still. Mainly at Kolkota, a large number shops had to be closed and was not able to open even though after the lock down because of huge loss. During the second lock down, people started coming out of their houses by maintaining the Covid-19 protocols. At this point of time people started to depend more on online food delivery.
“Durga Pooja is one of the major festivals of West Bengal than any other, the crowds are massive and people do their pandals offering all day and night during this festival period. During covid-19, the things were different as it was a global issue. Compared to last year, this year is more impressive because people started coming out. People have mostly adapted to online food delivery. After the lockdown the delivery trends have increased a lot, because of this 100 percent sale is not happening”. said Mr. Asif Ahmed, Co-owner, Sanjha Chulha.
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