Durga Puja celebrations take centre stage in Bengaluru

We’re almost in the midst of the festive season. And it’s that time of the year when Bengaluru turns into a socio-cultural melting pot, with a syncretic amalgamation of diverse customs and traditions from different parts of the country thriving within the city’s various locales. With Durga Puja just around the corner, speaks to a number of groups and associations in Bengaluru that represent people from other parts of the country living in this city.Here’s a collage of the various religious and cultural events that are lined up for the coming days…

“We have opted for eco-friendly celebrations this year. From the decorations to the idols, everything is being done keeping the environment in mind. Durga Puja has been the opportunity of connecting and bonding for the people of the Northeast in Bengaluru, particularly the 1.5-2 lakh Assamese community living in the city. Apart from the cultural performances, visitors can also taste a variety of cuisines on offer at the food stalls during the five-day event at Freedom International School grounds at HSR Layout,” Dipankar Kalita, Organising Secretary at the Assam Society of Bangalore.
: A cultural showcase including performances like Bihu Husori, Bhangra, Bharatanatyam and Yakshagana; fashion show and DJ Night; and a special performance by Assamese singer Deeplina Deka.

“This year, the decorations will be a sight to behold, as our theme for the decoration is Kolkata Collage. Through this, we are trying to explore the Kolkata connect in Bengaluru. Also, we have fun events organised throughout the festival days, and we are hoping to look at a big crowd at the venue. Also, we have special arrangements for senior citizens, who want to offer and have . We are expecting more than 2,000 people each afternoon for the ,” Riniki Ghosh, a member of the Bengalee Association Bangalore. The festivities will be held at Manpho Convention Centre, Nagavara.
: Anand Mela, offering traditional Bengali homemade sweets and dishes that are prepared and sold by families; Bangla Dhooti and Sari walk; Suralahiri, a musical programme by in-house choir; Dandiya Night; and Kathak dance performance.
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This year marks the golden jubilee celebrations of Durga Puja Social Cultural Association, Indiranagar. “The festival is no longer for the Bengalis in the city alone, it is for Karnataka and we are expecting 50,000 people visiting this year. Also, since it is our 50th year, we are bringing the cooks from Kolkata. A lot of decorations are also from Kolkata. The bhog and cultural programme are open to all,” Biswanath Bhattacharya, President of the association.
Performances by singers Kumar Sanu, Rishi Chakraborty and Rezwana Choudhury Bannya.

Utsav is the name of the socio-cultural extravaganza of JP Nagar Cultural Association this year.
Dandiya Raas; Surer-o Jharna – a musical tribute to Salil Chowdhary; Pratimodan – a classical dance-drama for invocation of the Gods; Bandishe-reloaded – a performance by a teen band; Juta-Aavishkaar – a play performed by kids; Lakhhir Porikhha – a lyrical play; performance by Lagnajita Chakraborty; a musical journey of popular Bengali puja songs; and Kathak and other dance performances.