23 September,2009 11:42 AM IST | | Debarti Palit
The GUIDE gives you a lowdown on what you can indulge on during this year's durga puja
It's that time of the year when Bengalis all over India celebrate Durga Puja with fervour and revel in the victory of good over evil. The five-day festival (from September 24 to September 29) is marked by the melodious sounds of the Dhak, the fragrance of Shiuli flowers and the flavours of the Bhog (offering). With the start of the festive season, there are lots of knick-knacks to buy and loads of goodies to feast on. We guide you on where to eat to your heart's content and where to shop for authentic Bengali sarees.
Shopping
Saree niketan
Shop for a wide range of cotton saris priced between Rs 450 and Rs 1,000. Take your pick from traditional Balucharis with rich gold borders or Tussar sarees with the typical broad red border. They also have Kotas with intricate sequin-work.
At: Saree Niketan, 30, MG Road.
Call: 26132523
Kala niketan
Check out the wide display of cotton sarees that are priced between Rs 400 to Rs 1,000 and decorated with embroidery, thread-work and sequins. Since Kala Niketan is celebrating their 20th anniversary, you can enjoy a flat 20% discount on their products as well.
At: Kala Niketan, Kubera Chambers, Shivaji Nagar.
Call: 25533335
Food
Radhika
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves everything from sweets to authentic Bengali delicacies. Dig into typical Bengali snacks like mutton cutlets or chicken rolls. They serve Puja special sweets like Cham Cham, Khirkodum, Rosogulla, Malai Sandwich and Misti Doi.
At: Radhika, next to Vikram Lodge, Senapati Bapat Road, Chaturshrungi.
Call: 32511730
Ratabi
This sweets-and-snacks joint tempts you with delicious sweets. They have even arranged a special cook to come from Kolkata for the festive season and to re-create the real taste of Bengal. Their specialty includes Coconut Ladoo, Jalebis, Special Boondi, Sita Bhog, Kamla Bhog, Kacha Gola and Club Kachori with Aloo Sabji.
At: Ratabi, behind Vaishali Restaurant, FC Road; Silver Oak, Florina Estate, Kalyani Nagar. Call: 32348466
