KOLKATA / MUMBAI — In an industry governed by fast-paced schedules and constant movement, actor Pallaavii Chatterjee anchors herself in a profound legacy of devotion. Pallaavii, who recently earned widespread acclaim for her performance in the Nikkhil Advani-directed web series The Revolutionaries, views Kojagari Laxmi Pujo not merely as a festival, but as a sacred family tradition spanning over 150 years. This year marks her 26th consecutive year hosting the grand celebrations at her Kolkata residence, carrying forward the mantle from her late mother, Mrs. Ratna Chatterjee.
From meticulously hands-on shopping at Kolkata's traditional Gariahat market to preparing the multi-course Bengali bhog and drawing intricate alpona, Pallaavii embodies the spirit of a modern custodian of heritage. The annual gathering transforms her home into a grand confluence of warm camaraderie, echoing the celebratory spirit of a Bijoya Dashami get-together where the entertainment fraternity, corporate leaders, and close friends mingle under one roof.
"This puja is incredibly special to me because it has been passed down through generations for more than a century and a half," Pallaavii reflects. "What started on a modest scale has, by the grace of Maa Laxmi, grown beautifully. Today, our doors are open to everyone—whether they are actors, musicians, writers, or corporate professionals. In our home, family isn't defined just by bloodline; it includes everyone who comes to seek Maa's blessings and share the bhog."
Despite relocating her base to Mumbai three years ago to embark on a fresh creative chapter—restarting from scratch after a monumental career featuring over 150 films and 75 television shows—Pallaavii remains unyielding regarding her festive commitments. "I firmly believe that you can only serve Maa if she wills it. Even while filming The Revolutionaries in Japan, I had a strict clause in my contract reserving these crucial days for the puja. The production team completely respected that," the actress reveals.
The heart of the Chatterjee family puja lies in its magnificent history. Unlike public marquees, the household worships a delicate, generations-old silver idol of Goddess Lakshmi that remains enshrined in their temple year-round, bypassing the traditional immersion ritual. Pallaavii personally cleans, dresses, and applies custom makeup to the deity. The bhog offered to the deity is equally historic, served on a flawless white marble thali preserved through the ages, featuring traditional delicacies like luchi, khichdi, paanch bhaja (five types of fritters), aloo-kopi dalna, and homemade jaggery and sugar narus.
Evoking fond nostalgia of her childhood, Pallaavii recalls when the festival was a lavish four-day affair featuring Narayan bhojan, cousin-led theatrical plays, musical performances, and industry-wide visitations. "I grew up watching my mother cook massive portions of bhog over traditional earthen chulhas with the women of the family. Today, as I perform the havan with 108 bel patta, I ensure those exact traditional methods and microscopic details are preserved. It is a labor of pure love, much like preparing for a daughter's wedding," she concludes.
For Filmy Town readers, Pallaavii Chatterjee’s grand 150-year-old Kojagari Laxmi Pujo stands as a beautiful reminder that no matter how far one travels in stardom, real glamour lies in staying rooted to one's core authenticity.
