The 32nd annual Durga Puja celebration by Probasee Bengalee Association of NZ Inc. celebrated culture, tradition and devotion.
With a remarkable turnout of more than 2,200 attendees, the event at Athiya Trust Community Centre, Onehunga, spanned three days, from October 20 evening to October 23 afternoon, coinciding perfectly with the Labour Day public holiday and offering attendees an extended opportunity to bask in the glory of Durga Puja.
“On Maha Ashtami, which was Sunday afternoon, we had our biggest turnout ever," says Shopan Dasgupta, General Secretary, Probasee Bengalee Association of NZ Inc.
This year's event took a unique approach as it celebrated the life and legacy of the legendary Indian filmmaker, writer, director, composer and producer Satyajit Ray.
“The entire venue, notably the Puja Pandal, was adorned with meticulous details inspired by Ray's cinematic masterpiece ‘Sonar Kella’,” informs Dasgupta.
The community's response was not only overwhelming but also profoundly heartwarming for both the Bengali community and the wider population.
“It was an electric atmosphere, and extending the celebration to the public holiday was brilliant. It allowed us to absorb the cultural richness wholeheartedly," commented Sriparna Das, one of the attendees.
According to the organisers, they had one of the biggest turnouts for their Durga Puja festival this year. They acknowledged social media played a vital role in spreading the message. “Social media helped build more awareness about our event not just among the Bengalis but in the wider community,” says Madhurima Chatterjee, one of Probasee’s cultural secretaries.
One of the attendees explained, “After discovering Durga Puja on social media, I felt a magnetic pull to attend. The vivid colours, enchanting music, and the genuine warmth of the community left a lasting impact," shared Jonathan Anderson, a non-Bengali attendee who was deeply touched by the event.
UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as a World Cultural Heritage underscores the importance of preserving cultural traditions for future generations, says Dasgupta.
“This celebration bridges the Indian diaspora and their cultural heritage, facilitating the transmission of customs, rituals, and the vibrant Bengali culture to posterity.
“India is a land rich with cultural heritage, and the different parts of India celebrate their own culture, customs and traditions. So, being in a foreign land, we need to preserve the traditions so that future generations have an understanding and insight into the reasons for the celebration.
“Bengal is a state that takes pride in its history, culture, tradition, arts and crafts. West Bengal is the cultural capital of India. We endeavour to keep the celebration alive.”
The event united communities and promoted cross-cultural understanding and unity in a foreign land.
"Seeing the dedication of Probasee Bengalee Association in preserving Bengali culture is inspiring. It's a reminder of the importance of holding onto one's heritage, even in a foreign land," commented Paul Smith, an Australian visitor.