Embracing Inclusion & Diversity and Trying Something Different

Residents at Valerian Court Care Home were thrilled to join in celebrating Durga Puja, an annual autumn festival widely celebrated in India, particularly in Kolkata, West Bengal. The event was organised by our Activities Coordinator, Riki, who led the festivities in a way that beautifully brought her cultural heritage to life.

Riki dressed in a traditional sari and she presented an engaging and colourful PowerPoint, sharing stories of Durga Puja and the rich cultural significance behind it. The festival is so integral to Kolkata’s identity that UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja in December 2021 and added it to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Residents were captivated by the stories and expressed keen interest in learning about the origins and significance of the festival.

Riki also performed a traditional Durga Puja dance, encouraging residents to join in as lively music filled the room. They all had a brilliant time and it created a wonderful atmosphere full of community.

She also treated residents and staff to a variety of traditional homemade dishes which became the highlight of the celebration. The menu included Basanti Polao, a fragrant rice dish cooked in clarified butter with raisins and cashews; Aloo Dum, potatoes in a rich tomato, yoghurt, and cashew gravy; and a tangy Tomato and dry fruits chutney. For dessert, she served Payesh, a special rice pudding from West Bengal. Everybody had a great time trying the dishes and is already asking Riki to make them more!

The event was a huge success, filled with joy, learning, and delicious food. It fostered a deeper sense of community and offered residents a wonderful window into another culture, all while celebrating the spirit of Durga Puja. Keep updated with our News & Events page and book a tour around our luxury care home to see for yourself what we have to offer!