Actor Pankaj Tripathi returns to the city he fondly considers his second home to celebrate Navratri with wife Mridula and family, embracing Kolkata’s rich cultural heritage and festive traditions.
Actor Pankaj Tripathi celebrated Durgashtami and Dussehra this year with his family in Kolkata, marking the festive occasion in the historic city after a considerable long time. Known for his deep emotional connection with Kolkata, the actor’s bond with the city goes beyond its vibrant culture and celebrated Durga Puja festivities. Kolkata is his wife Mridula Tripathi’s maternal home, making the city an integral part of their family life and personal journey.
Over the years, Pankaj has made regular visits to Kolkata with his wife to spend time with his in-laws and reconnect with the city’s unique charm, traditions and warmth. His frequent visits and enduring affection for the city have earned him the affectionate tag of Kolkata’s ‘son-in-law’. This festive season, Pankaj chose to embrace the spirit of Navratri and Dussehra in Kolkata, celebrating the auspicious occasion of Durgashtami with his loved ones.
For Pankaj, the festive season is not merely about rituals and celebrations; it is also about family, belonging and preserving the cultural connections that have become an important part of his life. The grandeur of Durga Puja, the devotion surrounding Maa Durga and the infectious festive spirit that takes over Kolkata every year holds a special place in his heart. Celebrating the occasion in the city this year made it even more meaningful, allowing him to experience its traditions and festivities while creating new memories with his family.
Speaking about his love for Kolkata and the significance of celebrating the festival in the city, Pankaj Tripathi shares, “Kolkata has always held a very special place in my heart. My relationship with this city began through Mridula and her family, but over the years, Kolkata has become so much more than just my in-laws’ city. It has become a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging, where I have built beautiful memories and where I always look forward to returning. People affectionately call me Kolkata’s son-in-law, and I feel genuinely fortunate to have received so much love from this city. There is something truly magical about Kolkata, especially during Durga Puja. The devotion, the energy, the beautiful pandals, the traditions and the way people come together to celebrate Maa Durga are extraordinary. You can feel the city’s soul during this time. I have always admired Bengal’s culture and its rich traditions, and being here for Durgashtami with my family makes the occasion even more special. This year is particularly memorable because as a family we are celebrating Dusshera after a very long time in Kolkata. Festivals are also a time to slow down, spend quality time with your loved ones and reconnect with the things that truly matter in life. Amidst our professional commitments and busy schedules, these moments with family become invaluable. I am happy that we could be in Kolkata this year, celebrate Durgashtami and Dussehra together, and experience the warmth and beauty of this incredible city once again.”
As the festive celebrations draw to a close, Pankaj Tripathi’s visit reflects his enduring appreciation for the cultural traditions and family ties that connect him to Kolkata. With cherished memories of celebrating Durga Puja with his loved ones, the actor continues to strengthen his special relationship with a place that has become an important part of his personal world. For the actor, Kolkata is no longer just a city he visits to meet family; it is a homecoming that brings together affection, tradition and a deep-rooted sense of belonging.