With the introduction of ‘Bhog Elo Boney’, the first-ever floating Durga Puja pandal, Swiggy brought the essence of Kolkata’s lavish Durga Pujo celebrations to the isolated islands of the Sundarbans. As the pandal sailed across the Sundarbans, the island people felt united and filled with festive delight.

It traveled through several ghats over five days, celebrating Durga Puja with thousands of people and bringing traditional bhog—Khichudi, Sabzi, and Laddoo—to households, strengthening ties and customs throughout the area.

More than 1,000 locals participated in the festivities, including “Tiger widows” (bagh bidhobas), who are thought to have “ill omens” and are frequently barred from participating in a variety of events, such as Durga ma’s darshan. The boat traveled through the river and thick mangroves every day, reaching 5,000 people.

After the success of Swiggy’s “Bhog Elo Ghorey” last year, in which the platform brought bhog to senior citizens in Kolkata, this year’s initiative expanded beyond the city’s busy streets and brought the dhaak to the isolated Sundarbans islands, which are six hours from the state capital.

The Durga pratima (idol), created in the traditional Bondurga style by Bali Island native craftsman Probhas Mondal, is a true celebration of culture and community. Since the entire pandal was constructed by Sundarbans native artisans, the celebration was genuinely a community event.

With its rich customs, “Bhog Elo Boney” gave the Sundarbans communities a taste of Kolkata’s splendor right at their doorstep. In addition to lunch, the people experienced the excitement, dedication, and solidarity that characterize Durga Puja as the boat anchored at ghats such as Rajat Jubilee, Sat Galia, and Bali Island.

Havas Play, the sports, content, and entertainment division of Havas Media Network India, is responsible for the campaign’s conception, ideation, and execution.

The 90-second film beautifully captures the essence of the festival, highlighting the vibrant local culture, the rhythms of dhakis, and the joy of Sundarban communities welcoming Durga Ma. This initiative transcends mere food delivery; it embodies joy, community spirit, and cultural connection, ensuring that Durga Puja is accessible to all. As Swiggy continues to innovate, “Bhog Elo Boney” stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to delivering not just food, but also joy and cultural unity.

Priyanka Dutta