PISTACHIOS TO THE RESCUE
We may not be in West Bengal, but there’s no dearth of pomp and fervour when it comes to Durga Puja celebrations in the city
ICalifornia pistachios are a nut packed with nutrients and health benefits that will amaze you, and now, they are easily t’s that time of the year again when festivities usher in widespread celebrations and joy. Durga Puja, West Bengal’s mostHosted by the Kandivali East Bengali Association for the last 13 years, this venue is known for its authentic Bengali cuisine with dishes such as ‘khichuri’ and ‘labda’ among others. The bhog at Kandivali’s Thakur Village is savoured not only by Bengalis, but also by people of different communities residing here. At this time of the year, Kandivali is a melting pot of cultures, with people from different communities coming together.
Where: A-22, Jinal Apartment, beside Gokul Garden, Thakur Complex, Kandivali (E). Under the guidance of famous playback singer, Abhijit Bhattacharya, Lokhandwala Durga Puja was established in 1996, and since then, it is one of the most prominent ones across the city. Moreover, it’s a haven for Bengali food lovers. available in India. According to Kavita Devgan, nutritionist, weight management consultant and author, California pistachios are different from their Iranian counterparts because of their oil content. An ounce of California pistachios delivers 13 grams of fat, majority of which (11.5gm) comes from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fat contributes only 1.5gm per serving. This makes it a great snack. Research shows thatthereare many pluses to pistachios, but in the Indian context the biggest benefit that awaited and celebrated occasion, is all about laughter, good food, friends and a visit to the illustrious pandals across the city. Even though Kolkata’s celebrations are known to take place on an enormous This is the only puja, which initiates celebrations from the fourth day of Navratri. Notable art director, Bijon Das Gupta sculpts the pandal every year, and promises a creation that’ll outdo the last one. They also serve some delicious bhog on Dashami. Where: Lokhandwala Durga Puja Ground, Andheri (W). stands out is the fact that pistachios are a diabetesfriendly nut. Diabetes is a huge concern today in India and California pistachios can help.
Firstly, their low glycemic index (GI) ensures that they have minimal effects on blood sugar. In fact, by adding pistachios to the regular carbohydrate staples we eat like potatoes, rice, pasta etc., we can even reduce the relative blood sugar response of the carbohydrate rich meals, making it more diabetesfriendly. Secondly, the healthy combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber the pistachios deliver also helps support healthy blood glucose in the body. Plus the magnesium these nuts are loaded with helps scale, Mumbai too puts up a tough fight with its numerous pandals spread across the city. From Fort to Kandivali, we give you a low-down on some of the best puja pandals in the city. For those in Navi Mumbai, this puja, organised by the Navi Mumbai Bengali Association is one of the most popular Durga pandals and is currently in its 40th year. It boasts of various cultural programmes such as performances by renowned artistes that are hosted every year. Where: Sports Ground, Sector 1A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai. with effective blood sugar management. And finally, pistachio helps control our appetite by controlling hunger stimulating hormones — thus improving long-term blood sugar control.
To read more about what Kavita Devgan and other Indian and global nutritionists have to say about California pistachios, please log on to www. AmericanPistachios.in One of the oldest Durga Puja pandals of Mumbai, dating back to 1930, Bombay Durga Bari Samiti is now a decade away from being a 100 years old. They are ushering in their 90th year with a five-daylong celebration at Tejpal Hall, a heritage building in South Mumbai. Not restricting themselves to just revering of the Goddess, the committee also celebrates several other important Bengali occasions such as Bengali New Year, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja and Basant Utsav, along with Kabiguru’s birth anniversary.
Where: 2nd Floor, Vikas, 11 Bank Street, Fort. attend this large scale puja. As part of a trust, for the past few years, the organising committee donates the proceeds from their events to various social causes and charities.
Where: Tulip Star Hotel 23-B, Vaikunthlal Mehta Rd, Uditi Tarang Housing Colony, Airport Area, Juhu. The Math, set up in 1926, has been celebrating the festival with fervour ever since it was established. Maha Ashtami is the biggest attraction of this puja pandal. All those who are willing to witness the age-old rituals and practices of Durga Puja should visit this venue. Where: Ramakrishna Math, 12th Road, Khar (W). Established in 1922, it is one of the oldest Durga Puja pandals in the city. Arguably a little less on grandeur, it more than makes up for it on tradition. The Shivaji Park Durga Puja pandal sets up a huge spread where the stalls serve authentic Bengali dishes and sweets. Along with food, there are clothes and jewellery stalls as well, that offer traditional terracotta jewellery and saris. Where: Bengal Club, Veer Savarkar Marg, Shivaji Park, Dadar (W).