Kolkata: Durga Puja is a time for joy, togetherness and celebration, and for 20 children in Kolkata, this festive season became even more special as they embarked on a memorable pandal-hopping journey through the city. Organised by Woodlands Hospital under its community outreach initiative ‘Khudeder Puja Safar’, the third edition of the programme offered the children an opportunity to experience the colours, creativity and cultural spirit of Bengal’s biggest festival.
The special Puja Parikrama was organised on Chaturthi, taking the children beyond their everyday surroundings and into the festive atmosphere of Kolkata, where beautifully decorated pandals, artistic installations and dazzling lights transform the city into a celebration of culture and tradition.
Puja Celebrations Begin at Woodlands Hospital
The day began at Woodlands Hospital with prayers and blessings from Goddess Durga. The children also took part in the inauguration of the hospital’s Durga idol in the presence of Rupak Barua, Managing Director and CEO of Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital.
The inauguration marked the beginning of a day filled with festive excitement, cultural exploration and shared experiences. The children then set out to visit some of Kolkata’s well-known Durga Puja pandals, witnessing first-hand the creativity and craftsmanship that make the city’s celebrations distinctive.
From elaborate pandal designs and innovative themes to colourful decorations and the festive buzz on the streets, the outing offered the young participants an opportunity to experience the many facets of Durga Puja.
‘Khudeder Puja Safar’ Goes Beyond Pandal Hopping
For the children, the initiative was more than a tour of Durga Puja pandals. It was an opportunity to enjoy the festival, discover the artistic side of the celebrations and share moments of happiness with fellow participants.
As Kolkata immersed itself in the festive season, the children experienced the excitement that makes pandal hopping an integral part of Durga Puja. The outing also highlighted the importance of ensuring that children from different backgrounds get opportunities to participate in the city’s cultural celebrations.
Now in its third year, ‘Khudeder Puja Safar’ has become a special community outreach initiative of Woodlands Hospital, reflecting the idea that care can extend beyond medical treatment to creating meaningful experiences and stronger community connections.
Rupak Barua Highlights the Importance of Joy and Inclusion
Speaking about the initiative, Rupak Barua, Managing Director and CEO of Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital, said that wellbeing involves not only clinical excellence but also happiness, human connection and shared experiences.
He said the programme was conceived to help more children experience the magic of Durga Puja and become part of Bengal’s biggest celebration.
Barua also highlighted the importance of pandal hopping as a tradition that brings people together through art, culture and community participation. Seeing the children enjoy the festive atmosphere, he noted, reinforced the belief that care should go beyond hospital premises to enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Through ‘Khudeder Puja Safar’, Woodlands Hospital continues to underline the importance of inclusion and community engagement during Durga Puja, giving children an opportunity to create their own festive memories while experiencing the cultural vibrancy of Kolkata.
