For Veena Vikas Bandekar, this Dussehra is going to be different because she will be celebrating it after two years, not only because of the Covid-19 pandemic but also because her husband passed away in 2021. Having brought in the festival every year for the last 28 years as a ritual with her in-laws, the Ghatkopar resident is excited to bring in the festival like many other Mumbaikars after the brief hiatus. While her extended family are no more, the 55-year-old is bringing in the festival this time with her son. “I will be making shrikhand-puri to eat in the morning like we always do, it will be followed by dal bhat, and some kind of bhaji to name a few dishes. We will also be worshipping Goddess Saraswati on Dussehra,” says Bandekar.

Like every year before the pandemic, the Mumbaikar took the liberty to watch Navratri in the central suburb as many took to the streets to indulge in song and dance. This is even though she has moved to another neighbourhood because the building she resided at, is currently under redevelopment. “It feels good to finally celebrate Dussehra. Yes, I do miss celebrations in my old area. However, since we have moved to a new area, I will be looking to celebrate the festival with my new neighbours because they are also very nice,” she adds.