Dorset’s Indian community is gearing up for its biggest celebration of the year.
For five days the community will come together to mark Durga Puja - one of the major Hindu festivals.
Durga Puja marks the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura.
Although celebrated by Hindus everywhere, the festival is particularly popular in the West Bengal region, with the celebrations in Kolkata having UNESCO World Heritage status.
For the Dorset Indian community, however, it’s more than just a religious festival, said Rohan Sen, spokesperson for the Dorset Indian Association.
“It’s a homecoming. We all look forward to the chance to properly spend time with our friends and families, free from work commitments. It’s like our Christmas, with the lights and the festivities.”
“I cannot express how exciting this is for us.”
Between three to four hundred people are expected to attend, with families coming together to worship, prepare feasts, and join in the music and dancing.
A statue of the Durga will form the centrepiece of the celebrations.
Imported from India, the seven-foot-tall idol will stand pride of place in the village hall, adorned with hundreds of flowers.
A night of music and entertainment will mark the end of the festivities, featuring the singer Rikta Mukherjee, as well as a variety of performances by local Indian artists.
This will be followed by a six-course meal and charity raffle.
Rohan said that everyone is invited to see the celebrations for themselves and join the dinners: “People should come and see this – the photos don’t do it justice, and in person, you will be in awe. British, European, all should come and see, it’s open to everyone.”
“There is no fee, but a donation is much appreciated to help pay for the costs of hiring the hall, the food, and other costs.”
For the full timetable of events and more information, visit the Dorset Indian Association’s website, or visit its Facebook page.
The celebrations will take place in Horton and Chalbury Village Hall from Friday, October 20 to Tuesday, October 24.
They will be followed by a gala dinner in Corfe Mullen Village Hall on Wednesday, October 25.
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