My Pujo, My Familiarity – And the Promise of Global Excellence

Every autumn, when the air turns softer and the mornings wear a veil of mist, I find myself waiting for the unmistakable signs of Durga Puja. Even away from Bengal’s majestic pandals, the rhythms of anticipation—the crackle of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice on Mahalaya, the first beats of the dhaak—have always carried me to a space of comfort and belonging.

For me, Pujo has never been only about the rituals. It has been about the people—the smiles exchanged while offering pushpanjali, the patient queues for prasad, the shared laughter in cultural evenings, the sense of togetherness in volunteering. Every pandal felt like a second home, where strangers became family and the community turned into one warm, familiar embrace. That is the magic of Pujo—it reminds us that celebration is complete only when it is shared.

This spirit, I believe, finds a reflection in the Global Excellence Awards. Much like Pujo, the Awards are not just about the stage or the winners. They are about the stories that bind us—the perseverance, the creativity, the teamwork, the faith in something larger than ourselves. Just as Pujo thrives on countless small contributions that make the whole festival glow, the Awards too honour the collective spark of excellence that comes from society’s many corners.

In many ways, the journey of Pujo mirrors the rhythm of an award ceremony. Mahalaya’s anticipation is the spark before nominations. The cultural performances and stalls echo the excitement and talent on display at GEA. The unseen effort of volunteers reflects the backbone of any recognition. And just as Dashami brings both farewell and renewal, the closing of GEA leaves us with hope, and the promise of gathering again to celebrate more brilliance.

Five years since I first wrote about Pujo, I realise how much it has taught me about continuity. Familiarity is not routine—it is reassurance. It is the knowledge that year after year, we will return to the dhaak, the lights, the faces we know, and rediscover joy in them. The Global Excellence Awards carry the same truth: that excellence is not a fleeting accolade, but a rhythm, a collective journey we share across time.

And perhaps that is why the words “Narayani Namastute” resonate so deeply. They are more than a chant; they are an acknowledgement of the many forms of strength we see around us—courage, resilience, compassion, creativity. Just as Pujo is a celebration of the Goddess within every home and heart, the Awards too salute the Narayani spirit within people who strive, uplift, and inspire.

As we look forward to the next edition of GEA, I feel the same warmth and anticipation that Pujo brings each year. It is not just an event—it is a collective homecoming, a celebration of talent, vision, and shared humanity. And just like Pujo, it promises to leave us richer in spirit and eager for what lies ahead.

Tapasya Banerjee