As Durga puja and Navratri festivities kick in, communities and individuals across the world gear up for weeks of celebrations. In the UK, there are around 80 Durga pujas now, according to a virtual compilation by a diaspora platform - Indian Bengalis in UK (IBUK).
Established in 2016, for Bilete Bangali, it all began with a humble Jagadhatri Puja, bringing together like-minded people eager to keep their cultural traditions alive while far from home.
It was during the pandemic, in 2020, that a new chapter for BIBA unfolded. Determined to uphold tradition, changing adversity to success, BIBA founder Kingshuk Bose with wife Lopamudra Nag Chaudhuri hosted their very first Durga Puja in their home, a small but significant gathering of just six people, due to restrictions. The puja was streamed live, allowing others to be part of this emotional and momentous occasion virtually. Little did anyone know that this small beginning would soon lead to one of the most anticipated Durga Puja celebrations in the UK.
By 2021, Durga Puja had grown beyond the walls of a house, taking place at the Zoroastrian Centre in Rayners Lane, London, and featuring exciting events like fashion shows, cooking competitions, couples' contests (Sera Juti), as well as performances in singing, dancing, recitations and many more. This year, BIBA’s Durga Puja has a new venue at the Chiswick Town Hall (10-13 October).
Similarly, London Sharad Utsav or famously known as the Ealing Durga Puja (11-14 October) has a new venue in Pitzhanger Manor in London’s Ealing Green, moving from the majestic Ealing Town Hall due to closure.
Sanskriti Durga Pujo is hosting their puja from 11-13 October at Upper Basildon Village Hall, Reading.
Originally famous for their fabulous Kali Puja, Adda Slough is celebrating their sixth year of Durga puja this year, to be held at the Slough Cricket Club from 10-13 October 2024. Their unique celebration includes lighting from Chandanagar – a town near Kolkata famous for their remarkable illuminations and 60 years of traditions. They are also hosting a musical night on 26 October with Prabashi (Hounslow) which will award winning famous singer Somlata and the ACES.
Pujas across the world
Across the Channel, in Paris, the oldest Durga puja is reportedly held at Cite Universitaire, Maison de L’Inde. Whereas Paris Mahamaya Puja Porishad is hosting their puja at the La Villa in Bobigny from 9 till 13 October daily 9am onwards. With cultural programme daily from 8-10pm.
IBCAJ Holy Durga Puja is celebrating 13th year of their puja this year in Tokyo, Japan. It will be held at the Kitakasai Community Hall on Sunday 13 October from 10am till 7pm. Their cultural programme will include the first ever fusion of Japanese Shishimai dance and Bangla Mahisashurmardini.
Bengali Association of South Africa (BASA) is a prestigious non-profit organisation founded in 2005 by the Bengali Community of India and Bangladesh. Their first Durga Puja was held in 2006, with the ‘protima’ or idol changing every three years, coming all the way from Kolkata. This year their puja will be held at Marlboro Community Centre from 11 to 13 October 2024. Though the puja will be held with utmost precision and norms as every year, other celebrations will be low key, to show solidarity with those seeking justice for the R G Kar incident or death of Abhaya.
Since 1995 'Durga Puja Stuttgart’ is held at the capital city of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg in South Germany. In 2024 the Puja, the oldest in South Germany, will be celebrating 30 years. Bengalis from across South Germany come to enjoy it. This year the puja will be held in Schutzengesellschaft “Tell” in Stuttgart from 8 -12 October.
