Have you ever wondered where old memories meet new friendships? What if there was a place where you could relive the magic of Durga Puja while making new connections that might last a lifetime? That’s exactly what happened at *Pujo Adda*—a unique event that brings people together, celebrating the essence of connection, friendship, and tradition.
At searching Soulmate we decided to give a little twist to our networking event. Born was the idea of Pujo Adda to celebrate Durga Pujo memories & build connections.
During Durga Puja, there’s a certain charm in the air—the excitement of the pandals, the smell of food, the music, and the laughter of people gathering for an adda (a casual chat). It’s not just about looking back at fond memories; it’s about creating new ones with people who might have walked a similar path. On October 5, 2024, at Rajbari Posto in Kolkata, a memorable Pujo Adda unfolded, and it was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of life, stories, and the connections that bind us.
So what was this Pujo Adda all about?
Pujo Adda was all about gathering, sharing, and connecting. Think of it like this: you’re sitting with a group of people—some you know, some you don’t—and the conversation flows. You talk about everything, from your favorite childhood Pujo memories to your plans for the coming days. It’s easy, and fun, and before you know it, you’re building new friendships without even trying.
But what made our Pujo Adda special wasn’t just the conversations—it was the spirit of togetherness. People came with open hearts, ready to listen, share, and laugh. The event at Rajbari Posto brought this to life in the most vibrant way possible. With traditional Pujo decorations, delicious snacks, and a cozy atmosphere, it felt like a home away from home. And the best part? It wasn’t about being formal to impress. Everyone was there to be themselves, expressing themselves & participating in activities.
The Magic of the Event
At this Pujo Adda Something magical happened. It wasn’t just about casual chats; it was about learning from each other’s journeys, inspiring one another, and building network that felt real and lasting.
The evening started with fun icebreakers that immediately got everyone talking. Instead of the usual “Where do you work?” or “What do you do?” participants were given quirky and creative prompts like, “If you were a Bengali dish, which one would you be and why?” and “What’s your funniest memory from past Pujos?” This set the stage for light-hearted, fun conversations, breaking the ice with laughter and warmth. These questions helped people get comfortable, and soon the room was filled with the sound of lively chatter.
One of the best parts of the event was the hobby-sharing session. Everyone was invited to talk about something they were passionate about—whether it was a hobby they practised regularly or something they had rediscovered over time. A woman who had rediscovered her love for poetry after many years shared a piece she had written recently, leaving everyone moved. These hobbies became a bridge, helping people bond over shared interests and passions.
And, of course, what’s an adda without food? The food at *Pujo Adda* was nothing short of a feast. There were traditional Bengali delicacies like luchi, aloo dum, cutlets, and roshogolla all served with love. The food acted as a conversation starter itself, as people shared their favourite dishes and childhood memories of special Pujo treats. The warmth of the food, coupled with the comfort of a good conversation, made the evening feel like a family gathering.
Memorable Moments
Among the many highlights, the most touching part of the evening was hearing the personal stories of the attendees. One woman, who had worked in the corporate world for over a decade, shared how she left her job after marriage to pursue her passion for psychology. Now a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) trainer, she’s making workplaces safer for women and embracing her new life with happiness and fulfillment.
Another woman’s story was equally inspiring. She got married at the young age of 16 and, despite having a supportive family, it took her years to rediscover her passion for poetry. Her son who is doing his MBA from a prestigious institution urged her to follow her passion. Today, she’s a successful poet, inspiring others with her words. Also, her attitude of gratitude has helped her bring over 350 women struggling with urban loneliness come together & pursue hobbies they feel connected to. Her journey reminded everyone that it’s never too late to follow your heart and do what you love.
We also met a man from Delhi who was visiting his aging mother this puja and finds joy in the community activities that he organizes. Another man we met left his corporate journey to build a not-for-profit business which was focused in providing a space to showcase talent without charging the participants. He was also quietly making the world a better place, one tree at a time. His mission is simple—he plants trees and gifts them to people, spreading awareness about sustainability. Through these small acts, he not only brightens people’s lives but also helps fight loneliness, one connection at a time. His story touched everyone’s heart, a reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, have a big impact.
Then there was the passionate artist, someone who spoke with such love for her craft that her words inspired everyone around her. She shared how her art had become her greatest joy, lighting up her world and giving her life new meaning. Her dedication was infectious, and it reminded us all of the power of passion.
A lady in her early fifties recently lost her husband & her daughters were away to a far of country so this Pujo adda gave her a reason to celebrate & laugh.
Why Pujo Adda Is So Special
The beauty of *Pujo Adda* was in its simplicity. In a world where we often rush through our days, it’s rare to take a moment to sit down, talk, and really connect. *Pujo Adda* created that moment—a space where you can just be yourself, surrounded by others who were eager to share their stories too.
This event was more than just an evening of small talk. It was an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to feel part of something bigger than ourselves. People left not only with new friendships but also with inspiration. Whether it was from the woman who followed her passion, the poet who found her voice again, or the man planting trees to make a difference, there was something powerful in the air.
Why You Should Join the Next Meet-Up being organised by Searching Soulmate?
If you’re looking for a chance to connect with others in a meaningful way, then these meetups are for you. It’s not about making small talk or networking—it’s about building genuine bonds, laughing, sharing, and being present. You don’t need to be anyone other than yourself, and you never know—you might leave with a few new friendships/a new business connection/new clients!
So, why not step into this world of connection and memories the next time? Whether you want to share your story, listen to others, or simply enjoy the vibe, *Our Networking Meet-ups* are the perfect space for it. After all, in a world full of noise, isn’t it nice to find a place where real conversations still matter?
Here’s to the next networking meet-up, where more memories will be made, friendships will grow, and connections will last. Will you be there?
Read more from Searching Soulmate:
- Breaking Free from the ‘Perfect Woman’ Stereotype: 4 Reasons, Why We Need to Drop the Act
- The Power of Cultural Events in Networking: How Pujo Adda Creates Strong Personal and Professional Bonds
- How Can 5 Simple Changes Make Public Spaces Safer for Everyone?
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