Ranojoy Bishhnu & Shyamoupti Mudly's First Holi as Newlyweds: Love, Rituals & Nostalgia
For television actors Ranojoy Bishhnu and Shyamoupti Mudly, this year's Doljatra festival transcends the usual celebration of colors. It marks the inaugural chapter of many shared springs ahead as a married couple. Having tied the knot on February 14, the popular pair from the television industry is discovering how traditional rituals feel warmer and festival colors appear brighter when experienced together.
In an exclusive conversation with Calcutta Times, they allowed love to guide the discussion, speaking candidly about shared customs, childhood nostalgia, their curated Holi playlist, and promises of lifelong companionship.
Initiating Dol Celebrations with Tradition
How do you plan to kickstart Dol celebrations this year?
Ranojoy Bishhnu: Since my childhood days, I have always begun Dol by offering abir to Radha and Krishna idols, followed by seeking blessings from our elders. Wearing a white kurta-pyjama ensemble has been a cherished tradition that I continue to honor every single year.
Shyamoupti Mudly: We follow similar rituals at my parental home – offering abir at the temple after taking a bath and wearing new festive clothes. I fully intend to continue this beautiful tradition in our new life together.
Festive Feasts and Culinary Plans
What about special Dol treats and meals?
Ranojoy Bishhnu: Our close friends are coming over for a festive lunch gathering. Every year on Dol, we traditionally enjoy pulao and mutton kosha. This time, the culinary decisions rest with Shyamoupti, so let's see what delicious surprises she has planned!
Shyamoupti Mudly: We're hosting an intimate gathering filled with adda conversations and festive music. This year marks my first time taking charge of the cooking responsibilities, and I will also be preparing thandai for the very first time. While we typically maintain healthy eating habits, festivals are meant for joyful indulgence and culinary celebration.
Childhood Memories of Holi Festivities
Tell us about your childhood Holi memories and experiences...
Ranojoy Bishhnu: Growing up in Madhyamgram, Dol always meant neighborhood cricket matches followed by mutton and rice feasts with friends. The Nyara pora ritual – the ceremonial bonfire before Dol that symbolizes the victory of good over evil – has always held special significance for me, and I've consistently loved participating in this meaningful tradition.
Shyamoupti Mudly: During my childhood, I actively participated in the Doljatra Utsav celebrations at my dance school. I've never particularly enjoyed playing Holi in wild, chaotic ways. Instead, my festival day would begin with delicious homemade food prepared by my mother, followed by quality time spent with family members and cousins. The dance performance for Doljatra Utsav added an extra artistic dimension to my otherwise simple and warmly intimate celebration.
Responsible Celebration and Consent Considerations
What are your thoughts on consent and responsible celebration, especially during Holi festivities?
Ranojoy Bishhnu: Celebration should never cross boundaries into disrespectful territory. It's essential to enjoy festivals responsibly while avoiding harm to people or animals. Festivals should universally spread joy and happiness, not create discomfort or distress for anyone.
Shyamoupti Mudly: Every individual has the fundamental right to celebrate festivals in their own personal way. Consent matters profoundly during such celebrations, and animals should never be subjected to colors or festival activities. Being mindful and considerate of others remains absolutely essential during festive occasions.
Celebrating Their First Dol Together as a Married Couple
How does it feel to celebrate your first Dol together as husband and wife?
Ranojoy Bishhnu: Thanks to Calcutta Times, our celebrations have already commenced with this special photoshoot. First experiences are always particularly memorable, so this Dol will undoubtedly be truly special for us. We plan to spend the entire day together, sharing childhood memories and gently applying abir to each other. While we aren't particularly enthusiastic about playing with colors extensively, we deeply love and appreciate the spiritual essence of the festival.
Shyamoupti Mudly: Everything feels significantly brighter and more vibrant this year because we're celebrating as husband and wife. Sharing the festival together makes every aspect feel substantially more special and meaningful. This year, Holi genuinely feels like Valentine's Day to me. Smearing abir on my husband represents my personal way of celebrating our love. The beautiful sari I'm wearing today was actually gifted to me by Ranojoy himself.
Memorable Quotes from the Couple
- "Dol celebrates the eternal love of Radha-Krishna. This Dol feels exceptionally special as it marks my first celebration after marriage, and I'll be sharing the festival of colors with my wife." – Ranojoy Bishhnu
- "I've never experienced the Nyara pora ritual personally, and I plan to visit Ranojoy's ancestral house in Madhyamgram next year to participate in this tradition." – Shyamoupti Mudly
- "First experiences are always uniquely special, and this Dol will be permanently etched in my heart forever." – Ranojoy Bishhnu
Favorite Holi Songs Playlist
Ranojoy Bishhnu's Favorite Holi Songs:
- Do Me A Favour – Let's Play Holi
- Balam Pichkari
- Laaglo Je Dol
Shyamoupti Mudly's Favorite Holi Songs:
- Rang Barse
- Ore Grihobasi
- Balam Pichkari
The exclusive photoshoot featured photography by Anindya Saha with makeup and hair styling by Sujoy and Nabo. The interview provides intimate insights into how this beloved television couple plans to blend tradition with their new marital journey during this year's Holi celebrations.
