Durga Puja 2026: From Utsab to Goynar Baksho, five Bengali films to revisit this festive season (Img: Pinterest)
Mumbai: Durga Puja is more than a religious celebration. It is a time for family reunions, elaborate pandals, cultural traditions and the excitement of welcoming Goddess Durga. Bengali cinema has captured these emotions through stories that explore relationships, faith, mystery and social change.
For viewers looking to bring the festive atmosphere to their screens, films rooted in Bengali culture offer a way to experience the season beyond the celebrations. From Rituparno Ghosh's family drama Utsab to the supernatural comedy-drama Goynar Baksho, these films present different perspectives on Bengali life and tradition.
Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, Utsab (2000) uses Durga Puja as the backdrop for a family drama filled with emotional undercurrents. As relatives gather at their ancestral home for the festival, long-standing tensions and complicated relationships begin to surface.
The film looks beyond the rituals and celebrations to explore the dynamics of a family brought together by tradition. Its intimate portrayal of personal conflicts makes it a compelling watch for audiences who appreciate character-driven Bengali cinema.
Aparna Sen's Goynar Baksho (2013 )blends supernatural elements, humour and social commentary. The story revolves around a jewellery box passed down through generations of women in a Bengali family with the ghost of an older relative adding an unusual twist to the narrative.
The film explores inheritance, gender roles and changing social values through a distinctly Bengali lens. Its combination of family history and dark humour makes it an engaging choice for viewers who enjoy stories that draw on tradition while questioning established norms.
Satyajit Ray's Devi (1960) examines the consequences of religious belief and superstition. The story follows Dayamoyee, a young woman whose father-in-law becomes convinced that she is an incarnation of the goddess Kali.
As this belief begins to influence the lives of those around her, the film raises questions about faith, authority and women's autonomy. Though not a conventional festive entertainer, Devi remains a significant work of Bengali cinema for its exploration of religious customs and social attitudes.
For viewers who prefer suspense to family drama, Satyajit Ray's Joy Baba Felunath (1979) brings detective Feluda into a mystery set in Varanasi during Durga Puja.
The investigation and the city's distinctive cultural setting combine to create an engaging cinematic experience. The film offers a different way to enjoy the festive season, blending detective fiction with religious observances and local traditions.
Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, Bishorjon (2017) explores love, identity and the boundaries imposed by society. Its characters navigate emotional connections and difficult circumstances shaped by their social and cultural backgrounds.
The film offers a reflective viewing experience, moving beyond the spectacle of celebrations to examine the relationships and social realities that influence people's lives. It is a choice for viewers seeking a more emotionally driven Bengali drama.
Uma is a heart-touching Bengali drama film directed by Srijit Mukherji. Released in 2018, the film stars Jisshu Sengupta, Sayantika Banerjee and Sara Sengupta in pivotal roles.
The story revolves around a terminally ill young girl named Uma, whose biggest dream is to experience the Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata. To fulfil her wish, her father, Himadri, sets out to recreate the magic of Durga Puja for her, bringing together people from different walks of life. Inspired by a true story, the film beautifully portrays a father's unconditional love, sacrifice and determination to make his daughter's dream come true.
Uma is an emotional tale of hope, humanity and the extraordinary lengths a parent can go to for a child's happiness.
Ekanoborti (2021) is a Bengali family drama film that explores the complexities of relationships, generational differences and family bonds. The story revolves around a family navigating emotional conflicts, misunderstandings and changing dynamics while trying to preserve its sense of togetherness. Through relatable characters and everyday situations, the film highlights the importance of love, understanding and mutual respect within a family.
Durga Puja has long held a special place in Bengali cinema, serving as more than a visual backdrop. The festival can bring families together, intensify emotional conflicts, frame stories about faith or provide the setting for mystery and romance.
These varied portrayals reflect the festival's importance in Bengali cultural life. Whether viewers prefer family drama, supernatural storytelling or classic detective fiction, Bengali cinema offers several ways to reconnect with the traditions and emotions associated with the season.
This Durga Puja 2026, revisiting films that draw on Bengali heritage can be a fitting addition to the festive watchlist.
