Bengali and Gujarati communities in Bengaluru gear up to host Durga Puja, Dandiya in grandeur

As Dasara celebrations have begun in Mysuru and various parts of Karnataka, many communities that have made Bengaluru their home, including Bengalis and Gujaratis, are gearing up to host Durga Puja and Dandiya, respectively, in different parts of the city from October 15 to 21.

For instance, the North Bangalore Cultural Samithi (NBCS) is celebrating its 49th Durga Puja in Mahalakshmipuram. Kalyan Pathak, media convener, NBCS, said, “This year’s theme is Shatadal, a lotus with a hundred petals, symbolising purity, spiritual awakening, and harmony. This Durga Puja, too, is the collective effort of hundreds of people — a coming together of several generations.”

Mr. Pathak added, “On October 16, which is Shashthi, the festivities will begin with ‘Padmapurna Agomoni’, followed by a special puja, music, and dance performances. The Anandamela, our festive food fair, will offer a delicious variety of homemade Bengali food, sweets, and savouries to the visitors. From Saptami to Navami, the Goddess will be worshipped every morning, followed by bhog prasad.”