Durga Puja is a grand festival celebrated by Bengalis, and it typically takes place in the month of Ashwin (September-October) according to the Hindu calendar. Durga Puja is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is believed to have defeated the evil buffalo demon, Mahishasura.
While Durga Puja is predominantly celebrated by Bengalis, it is not limited to West Bengal alone. Bengali communities residing in different parts of India, including Bangalore, also celebrate this grand festival with enthusiasm and fervor. In Bangalore, Durga Puja is organized by various Bengali cultural and social organizations like ours Bengalis in Bangalore (BinB) in South Bangalore. The 5 days extravaganza is celebrated at Kalyani Kala Mandir (opp IIM Bangalore) and it’s adorned with elaborate decorations and beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. The festival is marked by religious rituals, cultural events, music, dance, and performances. Durga Puja is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate. The festival provides an opportunity for Bengalis living in Bangalore to connect with their community and maintain their cultural traditions. Friends and relatives gather at the Kalyani Kala Mandir to offer prayers, exchange greetings, and enjoy the festivities. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie along with the beats of Dandiya.
During Durga Puja in BinB, cultural programs and performances take the centre stage but the traditional and energetic “Dhunuchi Naach”, where devotees perform rhythmic moves holding an earthen pot (Dhunuchi) with burning incense. This dance is accompanied by the energetic beats of Dhak and is a sight to behold.
Cultural events like music concerts, recitals, and drama performances showcase the rich heritage of Bengali culture. These performances not only entertain the attendees but also create a sense of unity and pride among the Bengali community.
Celebration is incomplete without food which plays a significant role in Durga Puja, and BinB is no exception. Bengali cuisine is known for its flavorsome dishes, and during this festival, traditional Bengali delicacies are prepared and relished. Mouth Watering sweets like sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi are must-haves during this time. Along with sweets, various savory dishes like fish curries, mutton preparations, and vegetarian delicacies are also enjoyed. Food stalls and pop-up eateries are set up inside the campus of Kalyani Kala Mandir, offering a wide range of delectable Bengali street food.
Durga Puja is a time for joyous celebrations, and people come together to enjoy the festivities with their loved ones. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends, exchange gifts, and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. It serves as a cultural anchor for the Bengali community in Bangalore, fostering a sense of unity and preserving their traditions away from their homeland.
“দূর্গে দূর্গে দূর্গতিনাশিনী
মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী জয় মা দূর্গে
দেবী দূর্গে জগত জননী
তুমি মা মঙ্গলকারিনী”
Pictures from last year
BinB on Media
