What is Pujo without phuchka and jamming? : Srijla

We caught up with actress Srijla Guha for a special Durga Puja shoot, where she opened up about what the festival truly means to her. From calling “Maa’s homecoming symbolic of strength” to describing how “every stranger feels like a familiar face” during these five days, Srijla’s reflections are steeped in nostalgia and warmth. In this candid chat, she also shares why sindur khela will remain an exclusive ritual for her, and how six yards of tradition and family togetherness make the festival unforgettable.Strings, songs & pujo nostalgia“Durga Puja is marked by fun activities and time with family,” says Srijla Guha, reminiscing about the festive spirit. For her, nothing captures the essence of the season better than spontaneous music sessions with friends. “Jamming during the pujo lightens the mood. You can hear the dhaak in the background, I play the guitar and my friends are singing. Jamming adda is such a pujo pujo thing,” she smiles, painting a picture of laughter, rhythm, and togetherness that defines the festival for many. ‘Pujo is family, fur babies & six yards of tradition’For Srijla Guha, Durga Puja is all about family—both human and furry. “I have two dogs and a cat. They are like my children and I always make sure to buy festive outfits for them,” she smiles. With her parents living in Darjeeling, Pujo becomes the perfect time to come together. “I am working on and off this Pujo and apart from that I am with my family always,” she shares. A true sari lover, Srijla makes it a ritual to drape herself in six yards every day of the festival. “I love wearing saris but rarely do I get an opportunity to wear one because of work. I make it a point to wear a sari on each day of Pujo, especially on Ashtami,” she adds. ‘Will keep sindur khela an exclusive affair’For Srijla Guha, sindur khela holds a deeply personal meaning. “The only time I’ll participate in sindur khela is when I get married, if at all,” she says firmly. While many young, unmarried women now join in the ritual, Srijla prefers to keep it special. “A lot of unmarried girls participate in it but I will keep it exclusive till I get married,” she adds, highlighting how for her, the tradition is tied to a special moment in life. Srijla’s pujo plateFood is at the heart of Srijla Guha’s Pujo celebrations. “I love eating and what is Pujo without phuchka,” she says with a laugh. Street food is always her first pick, but when it comes to ordering in, she’s clear about her choice. “The food quality at restaurants during the festival is bad but if I have to order something then it is always butter chicken with naan,” she admits, revealing her go-to indulgence amid the festive chaos. ‘Throughout the year each one of us go through a lot but this time of the year, everyone is a familiar face, every stranger is a familiar face’Styling tips Pics: Anindya SahaLocation courtesy- Boho Trunkk (Socials)Sharara set- W's WishfulSaree by- Chandri Mukherjee Styled by: Chandri Mukherjee and Suryadeep BanerjeeMake-up and hair: Sonam Jaiswal