Since its inception in 2011, Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad has been celebrating Durga Puja with resplendent enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness. Operating under the motto “Together we stand, together we celebrate,” the group has fostered a deep sense of community and joy during this autumn festival.
Durga Puja, renowned as one of the grandest human gatherings, draws a crowd of over 25,000 attendees and serves as a delightful fusion of diverse rituals, traditions, culinary delights, and cultural expressions from across Bengal.
This year marks the 12th grand celebration of Durga Puja by Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad, and the theme for 2023 revolves around the concept of “illumination.” The decorations are designed to be understated, with light taking center stage. The atmosphere will exude a familial warmth, in the spirit of “Barir Pujo,” as members display their talents through a diverse range of cultural programs spanning the five days of Puja, from Panchami to Navami.
The festivities will feature captivating performances by two distinguished guest artists, Poushali and Kaushik, well-known in Bengal and beyond. Food, an integral part of Durga Puja, will be available from 10 stalls operated by top Bengali restaurants, offering a delectable array of dishes, from traditional platters to classic Bengali sweets.
Each day, the sumptuous “Bhog prasad” will be lovingly prepared by a team of skilled cooks and artisans hailing from Kolkata, with the aim of providing over 7,500 devotees with an authentic taste of traditional Bengali cuisine.
Adding a cultural heartbeat to the celebration, a group of eight talented drummers, known as dhakis, will journey from underprivileged areas of West Bengal. They will showcase centuries-old traditions of “dhak” performances and engage in jamming sessions with local drumming groups.
The pinnacle of the festivities on Dashami (Dussehra) will include the cherished “Sindoor Khela,” a unique and traditional ritual for married Bengali women that connects with “Devi Boron” and “Bisharjan” of Maa Durga, signifying the conclusion of the festivities.
This vibrant and inclusive event welcomes all, encouraging Punekars to visit the pandal at Kapse Lawns and immerse themselves in the celebrations, scheduled from October 20 to October 24, 2023.
