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A nostalgic feeling about Kolkata, home of the biggest Durga Puja celebrations in India, gripped community members as the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago celebrated its annual Durga Utsav at Bartlett High School last week with dance, music and food.
Adding to the festive mood and excitement was the worship of a new Durga idol, which was brought from India, and the sound of dhak (drums) and conch shells, both integral parts of the ceremonious worship. More than 1,300 people attended the Oct. 16-18 celebrations.
Auspicious flower offerings, or ‘pushpanjali’ and ‘aarati’ were conducted and ‘prasad’ or ‘holy food’ made fresh on the spot were distributed by volunteers all three days after the puja.
Community artists spent months preparing and rehearsing with large groups, involving members of all ages in dance, song, and drama for cultural presentations during the three days.
A select group of artists and performers from Kolkata and Mumbai performed during the three days of festivities, including the popular band from Kolkata, Chandrabindoo.
One of the most noteworthy features of the festival was the recital by the first all women classical band led by eminent classical vocalist Kaushiki Chakraborty.
The performances included many pieces based on ragas such a Durga, Basant, Hindol, and more. The colorful play between Radha and Krishna with beautiful flute interludes and the presentation of the swan as a woman; triumph of good over evil with violin interludes mesmerized the audience for almost two hours.
Popular playback singer Rajdeep Chatterjee of Indian Idol fame also charmed the audience Oct. 16 with old Bengali and Hindi songs
“The performances by all of them were amazing, and really drove home the feeling of being in India.
This was the best ever cultural event in BAGC Durga Puja in several years that left the audience in total admiration after three days.” Achint Ray, a BAGC member, told Desi Talk.
The BAGC formed in 1976 at a weekend party at Bankim Saha’s house has transformed into a large and most well-recognized South Asian community organizations in Illinois.
Current Board president Sandeep Chaudhari, vice president Bikram Dewanjee, secretary Mallika Sarkar, treasurer Udit Mukherjee and BB chairperson Mala Palit have all been involved in maintaining the organization’s presence in the overall community.
“We all feel that BAGC has a very strong bond and is very unique from other communities and will continue the services in an exemplary manner. Long live these spirits through the new millennium,” a board member said.
The post Bengali Association Of Greater Chicago Celebrates Durga Puja appeared first on News India Times.
