Hyderabad, 10, October 2024: Hon’ble Governor of Telangana Sri Jishnu Dev Varma, performed the aarti to goddess Durga and participated in Pushpanjali and Devi Bhog, on the second day of the six day grand Celebrations of the Sri Sri Durga Puja 2024, being hosted by the Bengalee Cultural Association, Masab Tank, Hyderabad; today at Banjara Function Hall, Banjara Hills.
The Association which began its journey in 1984 with a few Bengali migrants, mostly on transferable jobs, joining hands to celebrate Durga puja, has blossomed into renowned organisation hosting Durga Puja and multiple cultural, literary and charity initiatives, while actively integrating with the local communities.
Performing Mata Puja and seeking her blessings for all of us is the essence of this celebrations, besides showcasing the rich traditions of Bengali culture. The Association is turning every stone to make this event memorable for the community. To bring the traditional and authentic Bengali flavour to the festivities, the Association has invited expert craftsmen and artists all the way from Kolkata, something being done for the first time by any Bengali association in Telangana, Ranjit Paul, General Secretary, Bengalee Cultural Association.
The artists specially coming from Bengal will enthral the audience with colourful and spellbinding entertainment and literary activities, till 13th October, 2024 as part of the 51st Year celebrations. The Association has lined up incredibly memorable and enjoyable festivities including Pushpanjali or floral tribute to Goddess to be held on everyday till 13th October, 24 from 9 am to 12 noon. Bhog will be offered to Goddess Durga between 1:00 pm to 1.30 pm, and lunch will be served in the form of Bhog Prasadam between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on all these days. The evening will begin with Sandhya Arati between 6.30 to 7.30 pm and will be replete with cultural programs, reputed artists and singers from Kolkata and Mumbai will be performing on the stage. On 11th October, Vedic snanam, puja, padma pushpa danam, deepam danam will be performed in addition between 6.24 am and 7.12 am. On Maha Navami on 12th October, Shree Durga Maha Snanam, Navami Puja, followed by Homam between 1.00 and 2.00 pm.
Bengalee Cultural Association is a premium club that aims at promoting fraternity, fellow feelings, friendship and cooperation amongst the Bengalees and other communities of the twin cities; Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The 51st glorious year of annual celebrations of Sree Sree Durga Puja by the association provides the best forum in fulfilling this goal. People from all communities, languages, and regions take part in this celebration that is a culmination of various cultural activities symbolizing the inherent unity of the country, says Sanjay Pan, Vice President, Bengalee Cultural Association.
On Vijaya Dashami on 13th October, the last day of celebrations, devotees in big number will participate in Dandiya with festive gusto, which will be followed by puja and floral offerings to the Goddess. Later women will participate in Sindoor Khela program followed by offering bhog. Women will apply vermilion to the Mother Goddess and later apply to their friends and other women. In the evening, Darpan Visarjan, the mirror will be immersed first, later Pratima Baran, the idol of Sri Sri Durga Maa will be taken in a procession from Banjara Function Hall to Hussain Sagar Lake for immersion.
The Bengalee Cultural Association carries a legacy of grandeur which encompasses rich Bengalee cultural traditions, history, opulence and a deep commitment to spirituality and entertainment, making the festivities most memorable. Outside of Bengal, the Bengalee Cultural Association celebrations rank among the best and most awaited, says Dr Trisheetaa Mukherjee, Executive Committee member, Bengalee Cultural Association.
As part of the 51st year Celebration Our theme is Mahavidya and women’s power are intricately intertwined in Hinduism, particularly within the ancient Tantric traditions. Mahavidya refers to the ten aspects of Divine Feminine energy that emphasize on women’s strength, spiritual growth, and self-realization. The ten powerful goddesses—Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chhinnamasta, Bagalamukhi, Dhumavati, Matangi, Kamalatmika, and Shodashi—symbolize the multifaceted feminine energies like creation, protection, transformation, nurturing, intuition, and healing.
In its truest essence, these goddesses not only embody spiritual ideals but also represent the profound concept of Nari Shakti. We believe that women’s empowerment is all about respecting and honouring women as vital contributors to our family, society and the country. Acknowledging their strength and potential, fosters an environment of equality, nurturing a culture that values compassion, creativity, and resilience. While it is important to respect the need to respect women, it is equally important to recognizing their existence and the critical roles played by them in every individual’s life; both family and community life. Ultimately, the worship of the Mahavidyas celebrates this empowerment while emphasizing on the sacredness of feminine energy in the spiritual realm.