On October 22, 2015 the Bengali community celebrated Durga Puja at the ACCA Centre (Asian Christian Association of Alberta) in Edmonton. The annual South Asian festival organized by the Alberta Bongo Society (ABS) is held in worship of Goddess Durga, also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsav. The celebration refers to the six days observed by the Hindu community, named as Mahalaya, Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Nabami and Vijayadashami.
Durga Puja Celebration in Edmonton
During the celebration activities like singing, dancing, eating sweets, and feeling in the modd of "gaiety" (being lighthearted or cheerful) are an integral part of the Durga Puja Festival. People in the community traditionally send out Puja gifts to near and dear ones and express good wishes.
The celebration was followed by a rich cultural program, that featured different local artists in the community.
Festival visitors standing beside the Puja Mandap
Delwar Jahid, President of the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA) and the Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA) exchanged greetings with the people in the community, visited the Puja Mandap (a temple/shrine decoration), and met with the cultural group from West Bengal. Other visitors of the festival were Bikash Talukder, Rupa Chowdhury, Sanjib K Chowdhury, and other prominent organizers.
Guests at the Durga Puja Celebration in Edmonton
The Durga Puja celebration was part of a 3 day long program organized by the Alberta Bongo Society (ABS), and drew hundreds of people visiting the event programs held here in Edmonton.
Related Information
- Alberta Bongo Society (ABS) on Facebook
- Website of ACCA Centre in Edmonton
- Website of the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA)
- Website of the Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA)
