While most Hindus worship different Deities as the Goddess of Power (Parvathi, Kali, Mahishasura Mardhini), the obeisance of Bengalis to Durga is perhaps the most colourful and ardent of all. Such devotion will come to the fore on three days at the Glenavon School (340 Blockhouse Bay Road) in Blockhouse Bay from today (October 15).
Nandan, an Indian Bengali Association is organising the festivities for the benefit of all members of all communities. The progamme will commence on October 15 with ‘Protima Suthpan’ with the adornment of the Deity, followed by Rangoli, Prayers and dinner for all attendees.
Activities on the second day would begin at 9 am with ‘Kolosh Sthapon,’ followed by ‘Mohashosthi Puja,’ ‘Mohashoptomi Puja’ and Anjali.
‘Mohaosthomi Puja’ will be performed at about 1130 am, followed by Anjali. Other items in the day’s agenda are ‘Shondhi Puja,’ ‘Shondha Arto’ and a cultural programme.
The third day’s programme includes ‘Mohanobomi Puja’ at 10 am followed by Anjali, ‘Home-Yagna,’ ‘Doshomi Puja’ ‘Shantirjol and Bishorjon’ and ‘Sindoor Khela.’
The evening’s engagement includes ‘Bijoya Doshomi’ and a cultural programme.
Kohia Teachers Training Centre (78 Epsom Avenue) in Mt Eden (Gate 2) will be the venue for Lakshmi Puja on October 23 and Diwali on November 13 at 730 pm.
For more details, call Amruta Kar on (09) 6242159 or Brojo Karmakar on (09) 8205132.
Probasee Bengalees
At press time, Auckland based Probasee Bengalee Association of NZ Inc was organising their annual Sarbojonin Durgotsav at Onehunga High School.
The three-day event (October 15 to 17) eulogised Goddess Durga as the epitome of Divine Power, Strength and Prosperity.
Association President and Event Convenor Pallab Banerjee said that over the years had gained worldwide popularity.
“In New Zealand we are proud to be the first organisation to conduct the Festival (sine 1992). It has gathered strength and transcended ethnic boundaries,” he said.
