Durgotsav: The victory of good over evil

Kolkata comes to Auckland on these six days of festivities, even if they are squeezed into the three days of a weekend. Let us savour the flavours of luchi and kanshamangsho with our Kiwi-Bengali community

It’s that time of the year when Kolkata comes to Auckland. As the year gradually nears the months of September and October, a spark of joy creeps into the hearts of Bengalis. Their hearts fill with happiness and they patiently await the arrival of Durga Puja. The festival marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. Thus, Durga Puja festival epitomises the victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja (Worship of Durga), also referred to as Durgotsav (Festival of Durga) or Sharadotsav is an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the Hindu Goddess Durga. It begins with Mahalaya, but the six days of Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, MahaNabami and Vinjayadashami– constitute the most important days. For Bengalis living abroad, Durga Puja brings a sweet reminiscenceof their hometown - from the sound of dhaak, to the hustle-bustle of ladies trying to do their last minute shopping, to the smell
of dhuno and shiuli flower.

In Auckland, Bengali organisations like Probasee Bengali Association of New Zealand and New Zealand Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee provide opportunities to the Bengali community living in Auckland to celebrate the festival in keeping with the history, art, culture, music and preferred food of the community.Puja Sangha Inc celebrated this occasion this weekend. But if you missed it, you can still attend the following events.

Where to go:

Sarbojonin Durgotsav
11-13 October @ Hindu Heritage Centre
2-30 Bukem Place, Mangere East, Auckland

Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand
October 3 - October 5Oct 3 at 5:00pm to Oct 5 at 11:00pm
NZ Athia Trust Society, 37 Selwyn St,
Onehunga Auckland 1061

The Majumdars

I miss the way we used to celebrate it back in India. Kolkata is transformed and decorated during Durga puja. I remember going to Maddox Square puja - a place where we would
meet our friends, gossip and witness the rituals of the puja. The pandals are depicted in various styles all over Kolkata, and some of them also win prizes on how they are made. The pujas end with the immersion of the idol, when married women partake in ‘Sindur khela’.

The Guptas

In India, celebrating Durga Puja was entirely different. It was a six-day affair where the whole city used to flow in the wave of festivity. But here in Auckland, we do celebrate it, but it’s more about food and dance here when we enjoy the authentic Bengali Loochi and Chana Puri. It is a lot of fun meeting with your friend and community.

EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

LITTLE INDIA

Bengali Fish
A popular east Indian fish preparation cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes and freshly ground spices. Made very mild to extremely hot on order.

Takeaway from $18.50

RAVIZ

Prawn Calcutta
The secret recipe from the British capital of India(Calcutta).

Takeaway $18.00, Dine in $19.00

Fish Masala

Fish cooked with onion, capsicum and special spices in a creamy tomato sauce.

Takeaway $18.00, Dine in $19.00

Mutton Kassa

Tender mutton with bone cooked in tomatoes, onion, herbs and spices from Bangladesh.

Dine in and takeaway - from $16.90

Bengali Fish Curry

Chef’s secret recipe from Bangladesh.

Dine and takeaway- from $16.90

ROYAL INDIAN SWEETS

Macher Jhol (fish curry) or Goat Curry with rice- $16.00

Kacha Sondesh, Krishna Bhog, Katari Bhog, Apple Peda– priced by weight