Golden Jubilee celebrations & Durga Puja festivities begin at Bengalee Cultural Association!

The five day grand Golden Jubilee Celebrations and the Sri Sri Durga Puja 2023, being hosted by the Bengalee Cultural Association, Masab Tank, Hyderabad; was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Sri. Sabyasachi Ghosh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government of Telangana; today at Banjara Function Hall, Banjara Hills. To mark the occasion, the pandal was decorated in the traditional Bengal style by specialist craftsmen from Kolkata.

 

The Association which began its journey in 1984 with a few Bengali migrants, mostly on transferable jobs, joining hands to celebrate Durga puja, has blossomed into renowned organisation hosting Durga Puja and multiple cultural, literary and charity initiatives, while actively integrating with the local communities.

 

The Association is turning every stone to make this event memorable for the community. To bring the traditional and authentic Bengali flavour to the festivities, the Association has invited expert craftsmen and artists all the way from Kolkata, something being done for the first time by any Bengali association in Telangana, says MK Mitra, President, Bengalee Cultural Association.     

 

The artists specially coming from Bengal will enthral the audience with colourful and spellbinding entertainment and literary activities, till 24^th October, 2023 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. The Association has lined up incredibly memorable and enjoyable festivities including Pushpanjali or floral tribute to Goddess to be held on everyday till 24^th October, 23 from 9 am to 12 noon. Bhog will be offered to Goddess Durga between 12:30 and 1:00 pm, and lunch will be served in the form of Bhog Prasadam between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on all these days. The evening will be replete with cultural programs, reputed artists and singers from Kolkata and Mumbai will be performing on stage.

 

On Dashami the last day of celebrations, devotees in big number will participate in Dandiya with festive gusto, which will be followed by puja and floral offerings to the Goddess. Later women will participate in Sindoor Khela program followed by offering bhog. Women will apply vermilion to the Mother Goddess and later apply to their friends and other women. In the evening the mirror will be immersed first, later the idol of Sri Sri Durga Maa will be taken in a procession from Banjara Function Hall to Hussain Sagar Lake for immersion.

 

The Bengalee Cultural Association carries a legacy of grandeur which encompasses rich Bengalee cultural traditions, history, opulence and a deep commitment to spirituality and entertainment, making the festivities most memorable. Outside of Bengal, the Bengalee Cultural Association celebrations rank among the best and most awaited, says Ranjit Paul, General Secretary, Bengalee Cultural Association.

 

As part of the Golden Jubilee year the Bengalee Cultural Association is making the celebrations distinctive by going for traditional decorations from artists brought from Bengal using Pattachitra or Patachitra. Pattachitra is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting that has its origins in the states of West Bengal and Odisha. The art form is popular for its intricate details and mythological or folklore narratives that are inscribed on a piece of cloth. The people who create Patachitra artworks are called Patuas. Unlike other traditional artists, Patuas sing Patua sangeet while displaying their artwork. It's a style of explaining the actual meaning or story behind the artwork.