Manu Bhaker swaps shooting gloves for a Bengali saree on her first ever Durga Puja pandal visit

Manu Bhaker, India's Olympic double bronze medalist, is typically seen wearing her shooting uniform, which includes gloves, glasses, and jackets. But this time, she changed her famous sporty appearance for something far more glamorous: a traditional Bengali lal paar saree. Manu made her Durga Puja debut at Kolkata's famed Sreebhumi Sporting Club, and all eyes were on her stunning red-and-white saree.

Olympic double bronze medalist Manu Bhaker in Bengali saree

This wasn't just your old "I felt like wearing a saree" case; Manu had been looking forward to this moment for quite some time! "I've always wanted to wear a traditional Bengali saree like this, and, honestly, the wait was worthwhile." The traditional Bengali red-and-white lal paar saree represents purity and power, and Manu wore it with the same confidence and strength that she displays on the shooting range.

Manu Bhaker’s first ever experience of attending Pujo

"This is my first Durga Puja in Kolkata, even though I don't understand Bengali, I know two things for sure - an Olympic gold and Kolkata's rosogolla!" Her statement had the audience cheering, and let's be honest, nothing crosses cultural divides quite like Kolkata's renowned rosogollas, right?

Manu was more than just a fashionista for the day; she was also there for the entire Durga Puja celebration. The Sreebhumi pandal, inspired by the Tirupati Venkataswara temple, is one of the most popular Durga Puja attractions, and she was completely taken aback. The pandal was immense, Manu, in her saree, was the cherry on a cake.

Manu Bhaker’s love for rosogollas

If that wasn't enough, her accessories stepped things up a notch. The state government presented Manu a gold-and-diamond-studded pendant (since nothing screams 'welcome' like bling!). And get this: she also received a gold-plated pistol, a suitable homage to a shooting champion.

But what made her day even better? A jar of Kolkata's popular rosogollas! When she received them, her face lit up, showing that exquisite sweets can melt anyone's heart. After all, who could resist?

Even though it was her first time at Durga Puja, Manu blended in seamlessly while yet striking out as the feisty, history-making athlete she is.