Another Christchurch Bengali group that celebrated Durga Puja was Bangaliana Multicultural Christchurch which had its second year of Durga puja celebration hosted on Saturday, 1st October, at Bromley Community Centre.
The day was organised to give a taste of authentic celebration as happens back home with Puja, food, music, dance and more. The day started with the Puja at 9 am which was then followed by Pushpanjali (offering of prayers and flowers to the goddess) around 12:30 p.m.
The sumptuous Bengali lunch was served outside the hall area in the open ground.
A bouncy castle was also organised to keep the kids entertained. The cultural part of the event consisted of some beautiful performances such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Some of the performances were by Bhangra Fitness group, there were dance and song recitals, Bangla Dance group and several other individual performances kept the audience entertained. Other performers were Oishika and Arvi, Ritodhi Chakraborty, Upasana Jaiswal, Kanak Champa Kayastaghir, Sahi and Samara, Namita Ghosh and Bonya Priyodorshini Borah. Highlight of the performances was the Dekaworwor West African Drum Group which had some thumping rhythms that filled the audience with energy.
Toward the end of the event, the organisers arranged a small prize giving ceremony to all the performers for their contribution. The prizes were given out by the team members which was another effort to recognise their hard work for making this day happen.
There was also a Dhak competition in the evening. Visarjan and Sindoor Khela ended the day.
Bouncy castle and a team from the Fire Department that engaged and kept the children entertained.
The event was sponsored by Nathan Miglani, Harsh of Harcourts, Bolina Sweets and CATS Accounting.