West Bengal is known for its rich heritage, with towering figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Toru Dutt, Raja Ram Mohan Roy and others dominating the state’s cultural landscape.
Bengal is also famous for its cuisine, with delicacies such as Rosogullas, Chomchom and Sorshe Ilish
In the 11th part of our series on Indian cultural associations, we focus on Nandan NZ, a Bengali Indian cultural association, which is committed to making homesick Kiwi Bengalis feel at home in New Zealand.
Swastika Ganguly, general secretary of the Auckland-based association formed in 2000, describes it “ as an all-inclusive family-oriented organisation whose primary motive is to provide the Indian Bengalis in Auckland a home away from home.”
The organisation, with around 150 Bengali members, aims to promote Bengali culture and tradition across communities in NZ, especially targeting the youth.
According to Ganguly, “The organisation has consistently preserved its Bengali heritage and promoted the Bengali language, culture, social values and religious activities among the entire spectrum of Bengali and Non-Bengali communities across NZ. We want to reach out to people of all ages, with particular emphasis on younger people, so that they can join with the organisation's senior members to understand the rich heritage of the Bengali language. This will help its vibrant identity to be passed onto future generations.”
Independence Day, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati Puja, Annual Picnic, Poila Boisakh (Bengali New Year) are celebrated by Nandan every year. This celebration is marked by music, dance, poetry recitation and savouring the choicest food. The annual drama or 'Natok' is also staged.
There was no let-up in the activities during the Covid-19 lockdown, with the cultural activities being staged virtually.
Nandonik, an annual cultural event, which features a Bengali folk festival, will be held on July 2. The calendar of events also includes Nandan Milan Mela on September 11, aimed at promoting small businesses, art and culture.
Durga Puja will be celebrated from September 30 to October 2.
Ganguly told the Indian Weekender that she plans to have consistent growth of the organisation and hopes to expand the scope of the association beyond Auckland.