In the Autumn of 1963, UK’s first ever Durga Puja was held in Maryward Centre, Russell Square by the Durga Puja Dusserah Association. Dr Kumria was then the President and Dr Sondhi was the Vice President.
The history of Durga puja in the UK goes back to a group of Bengali students, who regularly met for food and adda and one day had decided to celebrate UK’s first Durga puja. They had been celebrating Saraswati puja at the Bengali Institute in the India League’s office at 30 John Adam Street and were determined to bring Ma Durga to “Bilet” (England) for a five-day celebration.
London Durga Puja Dusserah Association (popularly known as the Belsize Park puja), beautifully tells the story on their official website, about how the telephone directory pages were opened, and every Indian household was approached for a donation to kickstart their puja.
Members pitched in £10 each, which was no mean sum in those days. Tushar Kanti Ghosh, Editor of the reputed Bengali newspaper Jugantar and publishing house Amrita Bazar Patrika, who was visiting London, was approached to donate the Durga Pratima. Ambala Sweets, which had just opened their doors that year, donated the fruit and sweet packets for Prashad. And the rest is history. The festival had moved to the Indian YMCA in 1965 and to Belsize Park in 1966.
Today, the UK has around 80 Durga puja celebrations according to the Indian Bengalis in UK – a virtual platform to provide UK based Bengalis (with Indian roots) to connect with each other. Every year they meticulously collate a list of Durga pujas in the UK, along with their exact dates of celebration.
One of such pujas is Medway Oikotaan Durga Utsav, who had organised their first community puja but at home last year. This year they have a new venue in The Charles Hotel, Dickens Hall from 10-13 October. Speaking to Asian Voice, organiser Snehangsu Banerjee said, “We discovered that there was no Durga Puja celebration in the area, with the nearest one being in London, 35 miles away. Determined to bring this important festival to our new community, we took the initiative to organise the first-ever Durga Puja in Medway, Kent. The event showcased a stunning, eco-friendly idol that we had specially shipped from Birati, Kolkata. This historic occasion was made a reality through the tireless efforts of four families who took on all the responsibilities, supported by the unwavering assistance of our friends in the community. We are a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Bengal here in UK. Our mission is to create a space where everyone can connect, share, and thrive together.”
They have a fashion show and Garba night as part of the cultural activities.
Prayash UK Durga Puja is hosting their puja at the Hythe Centre in Staines from 11-13 October. Their idol comes from Kolkata’s famous Kumartuli area, prominent as the residence and workshop for idol makers. Speaking to the newsweekly, organiser Bhaskar Bhattacharjee said, “Prayash UK Durga Puja, now entering its second year, is an emerging celebration in London that blends tradition with contemporary values. This year, the theme focuses on women empowerment, an especially resonant message following the tragic RG Kar incident (in Kolkata). To honour this, women take centre stage in organising the puja, from leading cultural programmes to handling crucial rituals, embodying the spirit of resilience and strength.
“The festivities also include Kolkata-style food and cultural performances, ensuring that the community remains connected to their roots despite being away from home. The inclusion of women in every aspect of the celebration is a tribute to their role not just in the festival, but in society at large, making Prayash UK Durga Puja a meaningful and heartfelt occasion this year.”
London Durgotsav Committee or famously known as the Camden Durga Puja will celebrate puja from 9-13 October 2024 in Swiss Cottage Library, London. Theme this year is ‘home-coming’. Organiser Dr Ananda Gupta told us, “We stand in solidarity with the people of West Bengal, demanding justice for Abhaya. The name ‘Durga’ means the ‘invincible’. Followed by the tragic R G Kar incident, this year, we invoke Devi Durga to seek freedom from all evils like injustice, cruelty, hatred, ego and other forms of pain and suffering…
“This year at Camden, we will have new statues from Kumartuli, Kolkata. Goddess Durga is accompanied by two lions, that gives Her the Shakti (power or energy) to confront and transform whatever demon she faces. Goddess Durga in Simhavahini form is also a lesson for the control of animal instincts in human beings…
“Inscription on the ICH has given Camden Durga Puja, an international recognition and attention. It has helped to raise awareness about the event not only within the Bengali community but also within the Indian diaspora in and around London.”
On Friday 20 September, they staged the event ‘The Divine to the Demonic: Chandi’ in Nehru Centre, narrating the ancient tale of Mahishashura Mardini (triumph of good over evil).
Lalbaba Thames Durga Parade, which conceptually celebrates “bhashan” (or immersion of the Durga protima/idol at the end of the puja) and the Kolkata Red Road Carnival, is an annual event hosted by Heritage Bengal Global (HBG). Usually, a boat or two sail down Thames, with community members dancing to the beats of dhak (drum). Last year Tower Bridge had opened to mark the occasion, as the boat had passed under.
Organiser, Anirban Mukhopadhyay said, “Techno India Group will bring their environment friendly biodegradable Durga idol, made of paper, to showcase on the boat this year. We also have the University of Arts, Central Saint Martin, London University supporting the event with their faculty and students actively participating in this initiative.” Anirban also runs The Global Connect Bengal group, which tries to promote Bengal and its heritage across the world.
