Porshi · From Purulia, with love
Mahalaya, and a
promise to return.
New clothes, a shared meal, and familiar faces. A day with the children of Belma and our Dadu-Didas at Oboseshe.
Somewhere between work, everyday responsibilities and the rush of life, a familiar Puja tune reminds us: Mahalaya is coming. For Porshi (পড়শি), it is also a call to come back.
We began our first initiative on Mahalaya in 2023. Since then, this day has held a special place in the lives of our small group of childhood friends. Now in our thirties, working different jobs, we come together with one simple wish: to share a little of Puja’s joy with children and elders in Purulia.
Before the journey
The work before the journey
We planned with the Didimonis and guardians at Belma Swami Vivekananda Shiksha Niketan, and the staff at the Manipur Old Age Home cum Leprosy Center, known to us as Oboseshe (অবশেষে), in Raghunathpur Block.
The clothing requirement was for 122 boys and 58 girls, aged four to ten, along with 15 Punjabi-pyjama sets and 12 sarees for the elders. With 10 October fixed for our visit, we reached out to friends, colleagues and relatives. Between our regular jobs, we searched the markets for clothes that were affordable, colourful and chosen with care.
First stop · Belma
A welcome we had been waiting for
We boarded the train from Howrah and reached Purulia on 10 October. At Belma, the children were ready with cultural performances of their own. After their welcome and conversations with the teachers and guardians, we sat down to lunch together.
There was rice, daal, bhaja, sabji, chicken curry, chutney, papad and the children’s much-loved payesh. Then came a small surprise: choco bar ice creams, bought with the funds left over. Bringing them to the village was possible with the help of the school’s Head Didimoni, Smt. Anjali Dutta.
When it was time to hand out the new clothes, the excitement spread through the children. After all the calls, planning and shopping, we could finally share the moment we had come for.
Next stop · Manipur
The comfort of returning
At Oboseshe, our familiar Dadu-Didas were waiting. They told us they knew Porshi would visit, as we do each year. That trust means a great deal to us.
We spent the evening in adda, shared some tiffin, and handed over Punjabi-pyjamas, sarees and nighties. As much as the clothes mattered, so did the chance to sit together and catch up.
Made possible together
Many hands behind one day
Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Dipesh Sureka of Kifa Lifestyle and Anindya Bose for their special support, and to Dr. Narayan Banerjee for his generous donation.
We are also grateful to Upal Chakraborty, Sidhartha Sankar “Sidhu” Ray, Anindya Bose, Soumitra Ray and Ambarish Bhattacharya. Their words of encouragement helped our appeal reach more people and brought further support.
To every friend, colleague, relative, donor and member of the Porshi family: this day came together because you helped.
Voices of support
Kind words that helped us reach further
Watch the campaign messages from our well-wishers.
The wider Porshi family
With gratitude, to all of you.
A few of the many people who stood beside us. Every contribution helped turn our plans into a day we could share.
We came to share a little joy.
We returned carrying some of it with us.