States » EastPosted at: Oct 4 2026 7:42PM


Durga Puja in Britain becomes a celebration of Bengali identity

By Kanchan Siddiqui
Kolkata, Oct 4 (UNI) Durga Puja has become more than a religious festival for Bengalis living in Britain, with celebrations across London, Birmingham and Slough increasingly combining traditional rituals with efforts to preserve Bengali culture and pass it on to younger generations.
Camden, which is hosting its 61st Durga Puja, has centred this year's celebrations on womanhood and feminine strength.
Dr Ananda Gupta, president of Camden Durga Puja, said the pandal at Swiss Cottage Library would draw on Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's Durgeshnandini to present the theme of Shakti.
The celebrations include Khunti Puja on the Thames, Bodhon, Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Anjali and Sindur Khela, alongside cultural programmes.
In Birmingham, the emphasis is on community.
The Durga Puja organised by the Birmingham Social and Cultural Organisation at B-12 Village Hall has grown from a small gathering of families to a 'Gharer Pujo' involving around 40 families.
The idol was brought from Kolkata and donated by artist Banke Bihari Ananta Ghosh.
"We all are Bengalis and this Puja has kept us together for many years," said Alok Chandra, president of the organisation.
The organisers said strict adherence to the Panjika, bhog, adda and cultural programmes was intended to help children growing up in Britain remain connected with Bengal's traditions.
In Slough, organisers have chosen a more inclusive approach.
"We do not believe in competition. Everyone is welcome here," said Puja organiser Nilotpal Mondal, reflecting the emphasis on participation rather than competing with other community celebrations.
The London Sharadotsav at Gunnersbury Park, beginning on October 16, will mark the centenary of All India Radio.
Organisers Suranjan Som, Kaushik Basu and Sourav Niyogi said the programme would include Dhunuchi Naach, Thakumar Jhuli, 'London-e Goppo' and 'Goppo Mir-er Thek', besides performances by artists from India and Britain.
The Adi Shakti Durga Puja, meanwhile, is completing 10 years and has sought to bring together people from different Indian communities.
Organiser Partha Chowdhury said the event had become a gathering point where "the entire country comes together under one roof".
Another focus is on ensuring that diaspora traditions pass to the next generation.
The Bengali Cultural and Social Club's Durga Puja, known as the doctors' Puja because of its origins among doctors, is increasingly being managed by younger members of the community.
Cultural affairs narrator Sumona Adak said the celebrations showed how the diaspora was developing a distinct expression of Bengali identity while retaining its connection with Bengal.
"In Britain, Durga Puja is no longer simply about bringing the Goddess home. It is about bringing a community back to its roots and giving those roots a future," she said.
UNI KS/SAG NST RSA
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