Moumita Das Roy
Auckland, October 29, 2023
Transcending borders to celebrate the triumph of good over evil: Durga Pooja at Nandan NZ (left) and Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand
(Photo by Moumita Das Roy)
Last week I celebrated my favourite festival – it is probably the biggest street fiesta by scale in the whole wide world. And it was not Diwali.
Durga Pooja (also spelt Puja): Durga is the name of a Hindu Goddess who epitomises Courage, Power, and Good overcoming Evil. And Pooja means worship.
Not Diwali, but this is the largest festival for Bengalis around the world.
It is difficult to imagine the largeness of the six to 10 days of extravaganza in Kolkata, India, if you have not seen it for yourself. It is an amazing milieu, which transcends religion, way bigger than the Rio Mardi Gras, and the biggest street festival in the world.
This is the annual homecoming of the Goddess we eagerly wait for every year. She descends on Earth to visit her mother and father with her four children in October, during autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
The scale of the Spectacle
In Kolkata, Durga Pooja is an awe-inspiring spectacle.
Dotted with thousands of marquees, or ‘pandals,’ each a unique artistic creation, vying for attention with their elaborate decorations and imaginative themes. The Festival is a testament to the craftsmanship of local artisans, who pour their heart and soul into bringing these temporary structures to life.
The scale is staggering- more than 10,000 marquees in and around Kolkata; more than US $18 billion economy around the festivity; more than 20 million people on the streets during the Pooja days.
The streets come alive with a sea of people, a testament to the city’s unity in diversity.
Durga Pooja transforms Kolkata into a spectacle of artistry, lights, colours, and devotion.
It is a celebration of art as much as anything else. Known as the world’s biggest public art festival, Kolkata Durga Pooja was included in UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in December 2021.
Two events with one purpose: Cultural performance at Nandan NZ and Community lunch at Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand
(Photo by Moumita Das Roy)
The Kiwi Rendition
As a Bengali living in Auckland, my Durga Pooja away from Kolkata is always a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and curiosity. For Bengalis like me, no matter where we are, it is about embracing the spirit of togetherness. And of homecoming.
The two popular Durga Pooja communities in Auckland are Nandan NZ and Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand, each encapsulating the essence of community and belonging. The Pooja and festivities are held every year over a weekend, usually in October. This year it was celebrated from October 21 to 23, the long weekend adding an extra day to the festive fervour.
The sense of unity amongst the Bengali diaspora is palpable. Even in a foreign land, the familiar strains of the festivity transport us back to our roots, with the heart and spirit undeniably present. Nandan NZ and Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand host their celebrations with the same devotion and dedication, complete with free community lunches and dinners for everyone visiting, and cultural performances that radiate the warmth and camaraderie that define Durga Pooja.
The Kiwi backdrop adds a unique charm to the festivities. As we gather in our traditional attire, the fusion of cultures is evident – a testament to the power of adaptability and the richness of shared experiences.
While the scale of celebrations in Auckland is smaller, the core traditions remain intact.
The rhythmic beat of the Dhak (traditional drums), the fragrance of incense, the chanting of prayers, or the offering of Pushpanjali (floral tributes) customs bind us to our heritage, no matter where we are in the world.
As always, Durga Pooja was celebrated over ten days in Kolkata this year (Photos by Shibam Ghosh in Kolkata)
Melting pot of cultures
In Auckland too, Durga Pooja is a melting pot of cultures.
Both communities – Nandan NZ and Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand, welcome visitors from every religion and ethnicity.
Kiwi friends join, eager to experience the festivities and understand the significance behind the rituals. The inclusivity is heartening, a reminder that traditions are not bound by geography, but rather, by the hearts that hold them dear.
What added to my sheer delight were fellow Bengalis who recognised me from LinkedIn and stopped to say hello. Ratul Bhattacharjee, Sam Banerjee, Dwaipayan Choudhuri (DC), Joyeeta Bhakta and Ayesha Saha you made this a little bit more special.
And Dr Paula Ray for being a friend in a foreign land. It was a homecoming for all of us too. Homecoming of a different kind.
How can I not mention the delightful mishmash of conversations? Accents and languages dance together in a merry waltz, creating a symphony of togetherness.
It is not uncommon to hear bits of many other languages blending seamlessly with Bengali banter – a linguistic tango that adds an extra layer of charm to the festivities.
As I stand amidst the vibrant crowd in Auckland, memories of Kolkata’s grandeur wash over me. But there is a newfound appreciation for the strength of traditions, for the way they adapt and thrive on foreign soil.
The Diaspora here may be far from the banks of the Ganges, but the spirit of devotion remains unwavering.
Reminiscence to Resilience, in the joy of assimilation
Traditions are not static. They evolve and adapt, carrying the essence of our culture forward.
In celebrations like these, we find a sense of belonging and a testament to the enduring power of community.
Transcending borders
Durga Pooja, whether celebrated in the bustling streets of Kolkata or multicultural Auckland, transcends borders, reminding me traditions are not confined to a specific place.
They are carried within us, woven into the fabric of our identities.
Durga Pooja, with its grandeur and intimacy, serves as a poignant reminder that no matter where we are, we can find home in the embrace of our shared heritage.
Nandan NZ: https://www.facebook.com/NZNandan
Probasee Bengalee Association of New Zealand: https://www.facebook.com/ProbaseeNZ
Moumita Das Roy is a cross-industry marketer with experience in Nonprofit, Media, Advertising, and Telecom and has worked in some iconic global organisations. She lives in Auckland and writes regularly for Indian Newslink.
