Kolkata, 16 October 2026: Making Durga Puja pandal hopping more comfortable and health-conscious, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited has introduced ‘Bishram Grih’, a lounge-style resting space at select Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and Durgapur. The initiative combines festive convenience with technology-driven health awareness, offering visitors a place to relax, enjoy refreshments and access complimentary Face Scan health assessments.
Designed to help pandal hoppers recharge during their festive outings, Bishram Grih provides comfortable seating along with refreshments such as tea and water. The initiative recognises the physical demands of visiting multiple pandals over long hours, particularly for senior citizens and families with young children.
A key attraction is the contactless Face Scan health assessment kiosk, which provides an instant indicative report covering approximately 17 health parameters. The technology offers insights into selected health indicators, including heart rate, respiratory rate, stress index and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics. The assessment is intended to promote greater awareness of personal wellbeing and does not replace a medical examination.
The initiative will operate from 16 to 20 October 2026, from 11 AM onwards, at three locations across Kolkata and Durgapur. The two Kolkata installations will be at Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durgotsav Exhibition and 22 Palli Sarodotsab at Northern Park, while the Durgapur facility will be located at Marconi Dakshina Pally.
Speaking about the initiative, Himanshu Walia, Whole-time Director and Chief Marketing Officer of Star Health Insurance, said that Durga Puja is an integral part of Bengali culture and that pandal hopping remains central to the celebrations. He explained that Bishram Grih has been designed to give visitors a comfortable space to pause, refresh and recharge before continuing their festive journey. By integrating Face Scan health assessments, the company also aims to encourage greater awareness of health indicators through a simple and accessible experience.
Atin Roy, Business Head – West Bengal, Star Health Insurance, highlighted the importance of addressing the practical needs of people visiting pandals during the festive season. He said that the initiative brings together comfort, refreshments and complimentary health assessments to make wellbeing a meaningful part of Durga Puja celebrations.
Alongside the initiative, Star Health has advised visitors to stay hydrated, take regular breaks between pandal visits and wear comfortable footwear. The company has also encouraged senior citizens and families with young children to take extra precautions and seek medical advice if they experience any discomfort.
Through Bishram Grih, Star Health aims to integrate festive comfort with preventive health awareness, creating a more convenient and wellbeing-focused experience for Durga Puja visitors in Kolkata and Durgapur.
