As the most important socio-cultural and religious festival in Bengali culture, Durga Puja celebrates the triumph of good over evil, of light over darkness, and of knowledge over ignorance. It is observed by fasting, praying to Goddess Durga, reciting mantras and doing puja rituals. The festival is widely celebrated worldwide by Bengali communities.
Bengal has a vibrant and rich heritage that dates back to the prehistoric era. Culture in Bengal has a focus on the customs related to festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, and rituals. Bengalis are renowned for having a sweet and charming disposition but they have their own special way of spicing up the experience, whether it be through the food, music, or dance. This is how South Island's Bengali community celebrated Durga Puja this year.
From a few families getting together to celebrate this festival at home to now large-scale celebrations with the community attending and participating in these events enthusiastically, Durga Puja has come a long way in the South Island.
It is heartwarming to see community members taking time out of their busy schedules to organise and arrange the many components of the event, including the decor, cuisine, and other details, months before the actual celebration. The new generation's participation in the festival, which keeps the culture alive, is incredibly encouraging.
Christchurch Bengali Association has existed since the late 90s when the enthusiastic community formed the Association to come together and celebrate the festival and foster the shared heritage to the young generation.
A new generation along with the veteran members now lead the Association, and it still follows the same respect for the heritage and Bengali tradition that is a hallmark of the Bengali culture.
The Association is unique as it follows no hierarchy- there is no president or secretary. The team just meets and shares the responsibility leading to no friction or politics dividing the small community.
The Association lists the Saraswati puja organised in 2008 as its first big event, prior to that in 2005 they had their first Durga Puja as a public event. In 2010, the Association got UNESCO funding to celebrate Tagore's 150 birth centenary. This was a significant milestone for the Association, helping them reach out to the broader communities, which appreciated and acknowledged their contribution to the diversity of Canterbury.
Wellington Bengali Association donated the Durga Thakur idol to the Christchurch Bengali Association after the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011.
The Association started organising Durga Puja since 2015, and since then, the celebration is a keenly awaited annual event in the entire Bengali community of Canterbury.
This year the Association hosted the Durga Puja festival at the Bishopdale Community Centre on Saturday, 8th October. The previous day, the community members got together to decorate the community hall and prepare food.
The day started at 9 am with Puja. Among the dignitaries attending were the outgoing Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, who has been a regular at the Puja festival for several years. The Mayor chose to visit the event as her last official cultural engagement(it was also her first public event in 2019 when she got elected for her third term as the Mayor.
As the Mayor got Mangal Tika and blessings at the Puja, the organising team gifted her with a lovely Bengali saree.
The event was free and open to all, following the Indian principal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It had not just the Bengali community but many from wider communities participating, engaging with the community and enjoying sumptuous food.
The Association members and their families prepared the sumptuous food spread. There was an emphasis on minimum wastage and sustainability using environment-friendly biodegradable wooden cutlery and plates. At the end of the day, left over food was sent to the Christchurch City Mission.
Besides the outgoing Mayor, other dignitaries who attended the Puja included Hon. Minister Dr Megan Wood, Dr. Duncan Webb – MP Christchurch Central, Sarah Pallett – MP Ilam, outgoing deputy Mayor – Andrew Turner, other councillors and community board members.
The atmosphere was congenial with smiling faces, men wearing traditional dhoti kurtas and women wearing elegant sarees. Colorful festive clothes and positive vibes added authenticity to puja celebrations.
Amrita Mondal, who participated with her family, told us, "Ours is a close-knit community that loves to get together, entertain and share food. Puja is also a great opportunity to have the young generation stay connected with the culture and traditions."
From 4 pm, the cultural programme started with a mix of brilliant performances, starting with a beautiful Bharatnatyam dance performed by young Sahhi and Samara. Young talented children, Uttaran Sarkar and Ayushman Das performed some skits with social messages.
A lovely Indian classical music performance by the renowned quartet of Myers-Dely, Liam Oliver, Louis Singh-Talbot and Joshua D'vanbu, followed. Their divine jugalbandi was an incredible experience for the audience.
Other performances included poetry recitations by Krishanu Das, Anisha Basu, Syona Betal, dance performances by Swarnika Bose, Bonya Borah, Saranya Sarkar and Bhaswati Sarkar. The cultural part of the day ended with thumping Wadaiko performed by the Canterbury Japanese Drumming group Takumi. In traditional Japanese music, wadaiko drums convey energy and strength. All the participants received appreciation certificates and gift vouchers sponsored by the local businesses.
As one of the attendees, Udita Banerjee shared, "It was a wonderful celebration. It was a joy to meet the community in this festive and colourful atmosphere and I am grateful to the organisers for putting out such delicious lunch and for all the performances."
Another guest Abhijit Sen said, "It was a quintessential celebration of Bengali art, culture, music, and dance. We had a great time meeting people, offering prayers and getting the blessings of Goddess Durga. Bengali Association of Christchurch always puts together the best Puja celebration."