Home away from home for Bengali diaspora in city

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Durga Puja is the biggest and most important festival for the Bengali community, and Bengaluru is home to a large and vibrant Bengali population.

This year, after two years of subdued celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bengali community in Bengaluru is gearing up for a grand celebration of Durga Puja.

The RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti, also known as the RT Nagar Bengali Association, stands as the largest Bengali association in Northern Bengaluru.

The Joint Secretary of the RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti said, “Our annual celebration of Durga Puja takes place at the Palace Grounds. Every year, our grand event draws more than 1,00,000 visitors, and this year, we are expecting even higher numbers.”

At the 'Sarbojonin Durgostav' puja organised by the Bengalee Association in Ulsoor, a committee member shared, “The theme for the decor is "Baro maser tero parbon," which translates to 12 months, 13 festivals.”

He added, “The venue is decorated with dolls portraying scenes from 13 Bengal festivals. These dolls draw inspiration from the wooden dolls found in the Purulia and Bardhaman regions, but a unique twist involves repurposing cardboard boxes for their creation.”

A festival for all

Durga Puja is a festival for everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate the festival and enjoy the festivities.

In the spirit of fostering community engagement and bridging the gap between local and Bengali communities, the RT Nagar festival will involve local traders and various art forms.

The Joint Secretary aims to convey the message that Durga Puja, while rooted in Kolkata, is a festival for all to cherish. This year's theme, "Melbandhaner Anginay," signifies the coming together of all during Puja to celebrate Rural Bengal.

World peace- One peace

Oikotan Hebbal Cultural Society in Hebbal is celebrating the festival on the theme of world peace.

With exciting 6 day events featuring a dance drama, Kenaram Becharam Natok, a live concert by Anwesshaa Dutta, Pranay Majumdar and Surojit O Bondhura, the association aims to spread the message of love, respect and harmony.It was announced by the society that the event would be free for all and no entry passes will be required.

The society has also planned several other events that will bring together the BEngalis in the city and other communities through food, prayers and other events. A generous amount will also be donated to charity.

Gujarat to Nagawara

At 'Durgotsav 2023' held in Nagawara, the puja stage will be embellished with lippan art, a traditional mural craft originating from the Kutch region of Gujarat.

This artistic form involves the application of mirrors, beads, and vibrant colours onto clay, resulting in intricate and beautiful patterns.

Furthermore, the Bengaluru Durga Puja Committee is promoting "jatra," a fading street theatre style from Bengal, during this year's event.

A jatra performance centred on the theme of "Sita Haran" (the kidnapping of Sita) on saptami, October 21.

ALL THE WAY FROM KOLKATA

The Joint Secretary RT Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Samiti proudly shared, “ In a first for Bengaluru, the association has extended an invitation to international artists from Bangladesh.”

He added, the renowned independent folk band, Joler Gaan, will take the stage on October 23, serving as the primary attraction. Additionally, the festivities will include Dandiya, talent shows, and a performance by singer Ananya Chakraborty from Kolkata on October 21.

The maiden Kengeri Sarbojonin Durga Puja by Ektara social group has a theme pandal designed on the famous Somnath temple of Gujarat.

“The Ektara group too is basing their Durga Puja and Navaratri celebrations on the theme of communal harmony and integration of multi-ethnic people of Bengaluru. Our artisans have come all the way from rural West Bengal, “ informed Ankur Sarkar, the managing trustee of Ektara to News Trail.