Durga Puja, a grand celebration of devotion and culture, is observed with immense fervor across India and in various parts of the world. From the elaborate pandals in Kolkata to vibrant community events in Virginia. This year, Northern Virginia Bengali Association’s (NVBA) Durga Puja celebration was a spectacular fusion of worship, tradition, art, and community spirit, showcasing a diverse lineup of cultural programs over three vibrant days. Community members actively participated in all aspects of it in true community spirit.
The festivities included not only the worship of the Mahadevi, but a captivating display of Bengali creative arts, featuring themed dance dramas, theatrical performances, and mesmerizing musical band acts. Beyond the stage, children and adults enthusiastically competed in art, alpona (traditional floor art), and uludhoni (ritual sound) competitions.
Sumanta Chakraborty, NVBA president, said, “We the executive committee have organized and celebrated the festival Durga Pujo this year at Freedom High School with 1000 Bengali and other community members. We celebrate the Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura, and the triumph of good over evil.
We planned and prepared for this event from the past 3 – 4 months with 100+ volunteers to help in preparing meals, making decorations, bringing international artists from India for cultural program. We also had performances by our local talent.”
NVBA’s Cultural Secretary, Satarupa Das said, “One of the most thrilling highlights was the Dhunuchi Naach competition, which brought an authentic taste of Bengal to the event. Dancers swayed gracefully to the beats of the dhak (a traditional drum) while spinning and creating intricate patterns with the smoking dhunuchis. Some performers showcased the awe-inspiring feat of holding one dhunuchi in their mouth and one in their hand. A crowd of over 200 spectators gathered around the Durga idol to witness this traditional dance, performed by participants of all ages.”
Talking about the newly created pandal, Ms. Das added, “A crowning achievement of this year’s celebration was the construction of a new pandal—the temporary structure housing the Durga idol. This labor of love was crafted entirely by a dedicated team of 20 volunteers, who spent over a month handcrafting the 24 ft by 16 ft structure from raw materials like art paper, cardboard, PVC pipes, and cotton fabric.”
Mrinal Chakraborty, NVBA’s Food Secretary, who had the responsibility of planning the preparation of meals for several hundred people, said, “The food preparation was a massive undertaking that was made possible by our volunteers. From shopping for ingredients and chopping vegetables to cooking and serving 5,000 meals over the course of a few days, our community came together to share Indian cuisine and culture with our American neighbors.”
In addition, there were 22 vendors including food vendors to add to the experience. The festival has spread worldwide through the Indian Bengali diaspora.
“The grandest of the Bengali Festivals comes to an end with Sindur Khela and the symbolic immersion of the goddess (Bisarjan), as a bit of sadness sets in as we bid farewell to her and await her return in a year,” Debasis Basak, Board of Directors, NVBA, commented.