There is no season quite like Durga Puja in Kolkata. The city dresses for the occasion, old traditions find new life and the simple act of dining becomes a celebration in itself. Between pandal visits and late-evening adda, tables fill with family, friends and the flavours that make this time of year so deeply personal. This October, ITC Sonar and ITC Royal Bengal mark the occasion with a series of culinary experiences that move between Bengal’s rich gastronomic heritage and a more cosmopolitan interpretation of festive indulgence. Think forgotten recipes brought back to the table, leisurely feasts, contemporary regional menus and evenings best enjoyed over a well-made cocktail.
At Pala, ITC Sonar, nostalgia takes centre stage with The Sonar Mahabhoj, available from 18 to 20 October. The festive spread revisits Bengali favourites, from luchi with cholar dal and mangsher chop to chingri malaicurry, fish paturi, kakrar jhal and kosha mangsho. Kolkata gosht biryani and Rajnandini pulao lend further richness to the table, while mishti doi and roshogolla provide a suitably sweet finish. Accompanied by live music, the buffet is priced at ₹2,475 plus taxes per guest. Across at ITC Royal Bengal, Eden Pavilion offers another ode to Bengal, with regional delicacies and Indian favourites served buffet-style from 16 to 21 October. The experience is priced at ₹2,699 plus taxes per guest. For a broader culinary exploration, Grand Market Pavilion at ITC Sonar brings together local specialities, North-Eastern preparations and Indian favourites, including selections from its signature Kebaberie, between 17 and 21 October.
Yet Pujo dining is not confined to tradition. At Ottimo Cucina Italiana, artisanal pastas, pizzas, cheeses and seafood bring an Italian sensibility to the festivities. Royal Vega takes a considered approach to vegetarian Indian cuisine, while Avartana presents Kimaya, a contemporary interpretation of South Indian culinary traditions. Their festive menus, available from 17 to 21 October, are priced at ₹2,500 and ₹3,500 plus taxes per guest, respectively.
For those who favour the intricacies of traditional cooking, Dum Pukht explores the slow-cooked richness of Awadhi cuisine, while Peshawri celebrates the robust flavours of the North-West Frontier. At Pan Asian, East Asian ingredients, intricate techniques and theatrical preparation offer a different kind of culinary escapism. These à la carte experiences run from 15 to 21 October. When the pace calls for a pause, the Darjeeling Lounge at ITC Royal Bengal offers estate-sourced teas, freshly prepared coffees, and a quieter setting for conversation.
As evening descends, the festivities shift gears. At ITC Royal Bengal, The Brass Room pairs international flavours and tapas-inspired fare with live entertainment, while Skypoint sets the scene for crafted beverages, gourmet bites and music. Both welcome guests from 17 to 21 October. At Highland Nectar, signature cocktails, finger food and live music accompany an offer of unlimited select beverages for 120 minutes, priced at ₹1,799 all-inclusive per guest, from 15 to 21 October.
For a more restorative take on the season, Storii by ITC Hotels, Devasom Resort & Spa, Kolkata, offers a festive retreat where regional cuisine and wellness take precedence over the city’s exuberant pace. Available from 17 to 20 October, the escape features Deluxe Rooms, Suites and Villas starting at ₹15,000 plus taxes per night. The Sarodia Durga Pujo Special Buffet, priced at ₹2,500 plus taxes, celebrates Bengal’s festive table. At the same time, the Mahabhoj Thali brings together classics such as kosha mangsho, chingri malai, chenar kalia and aloo posto, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
At K by Kaya Kalp, restorative rituals range from a brief wellness indulgence to a pomegranate sugar scrub and an Absolute Pearl Illuminating Facial. Later, Pegs and Tales offers a relaxed setting for a final cocktail and unhurried conversation. Because in Kolkata, Pujo has never been simply about where one goes or what one wears. It is about the rituals that return each year, the flavours that evoke home and the pleasure of making time for one another. This season, at ITC Sonar and ITC Royal Bengal, those traditions find expression in a feast that is as much about the spirit of the city as it is about the pleasures of the table.
Images: ITC Royal Bengal
