The sheer joy of decorating the pandal in the streets, grooving to the beats of Dhaki (traditional drum), gracefully performing the moves of Dhunuchi Naach, and the emotions of playing Sindur Khela! The week-long celebration of Durga Puja is bound to make Bengalis homesick. But there are several Bengali Associations in Bangalore that evoke Kolkata, offering everything from a heavenly Bhoj to out-of-the-box pandal decor, from Anandmelas to daily rituals, from cultural programs to celebrity live performances.
1. BARSHA Bengali Association, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
Imagine 75 conches blown together, the venue decked with silhouettes of monuments and cultural structures of India, with the goddess housed in a pandal of Vidhana Soudha and Dhakis being played by the women. Experience "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav," organised by BARSHA, who are also obtaining all of their Puja samagri ethically from Hosachigaru, with the intent to go green and use it as a compost afterward.
Dates: 1st October - 5th October
Venue: IvyRossa Resort, Sarjapur Road
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
2. Sarathi Socio Cultural Trust, Koramangala, Bangalore
This year is going to mark their 20th year of celebration and the agenda is jam-packed with Aratis, Bhog Nibedan, and even competitions that you can be a part of. Apart from the rituals, the Durgotsav also features a Sruti Natok (theatre performance) and Agomoni (Bengali folklore songs) as a part of their cultural programs conducted in the evening, to welcome the return of the goddess.
Dates: 1st October - 5th October
Venue: Mangala Kalyana Mantapa Lawn, 20th Main Road, KHB Colony, 7th Block, Koramangala
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
3. Bengalee Association, Nr Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore
"Amar Bangla Gram Bangla", a celebration in Bengali villages, is the focus of the Bengalee Association this year. It's one of the oldest associations in Bangalore, with this year marking their 73rd year of celebration. Don't miss out on the delicious vegetarian Puja spread during the Anandamela happening on 30th September. Keep an eye out for their schedule on Instagram.
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: 1/A, Assaya Road, Halasuru
4. North Bangalore Cultural Samithi, Nandini Layout, Bangalore
The Puja of the North Bangalore Cultural Samithi is open to all and includes a celebration of Anandamela, a Bangla band performance, Dhunuchi Nach, and Bhog. For this year's Puja, Jamini Roy's artworks will serve as the primary muse for the decorations and idol carvings. With accolades like the "Best Ambience for a Mid-Size Puja'' and "Best Bhog and Prasad" this should be on your pandal hopping list.
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: Bangalore Kali Bari, 8, Nandini Layout
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
5. SORBA - Sarjapur Outer Ring Road Bengali Association, Sarjapur, Bangalore
Celebrate the arrival of Maa Durga with Chandi Path, Homa, daily Pushpanjali, and Bhog Nivedan. The group has also planned a fashion show, Dhunuchi Nach, and a Dandiya Night in addition to the everyday rituals. Enjoy a tour of delectable treats and satisfy the shopaholic in you at their Anandmela happening on 30th September. Also, see the joyful yet emotional Sindur Khela on Vijay Dashami, as the goddess is bid farewell.
Dates: 30th September - 4th October
Venue: Kadubeesanahalli Rd, Janatha Colony, Doddakannalli
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
6. Whitefield Cultural Association, Bangalore
WCA is all set to take you on a nostalgia trip with the old-school fair set up with slides, rides, and more. The Tribal Bengal Art decor, their Ashtami Puja, and a group of 30 women performing the Dhunuchi Naach will leave you dazzled. They are also serving a Bhog from 2nd October to 4th October between 12:30 p.m to 1:15 p.m. Don't miss out on the Khichuri and Labra Chutney on Ashtami.
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: Inner Circle Ground, Dodsworth Layout, Whitefield
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
7. RT. Nagar Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee, Bangalore
The R.T. Nagar Sarbajanin committee's Puja is the place to go if you want to see the rich cultural heritage that Kolkata is so proud of. Witness a pandal made completely of jute as well as the goddess wearing jute-based ornaments, making for an environmentally friendly Puja. From everyday rituals to Dunuchi Nach, Dandiya, and live performances, they have all aspects covered.
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: Palace Grounds, Princess Green, Gate 9, Jayamahal Main Road
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
8. Begur Bengali Association, Akshaya Nagar, Bangalore
It’s their first edition of Puja, and the Begur Bengali Association aims to return to the roots of the festival celebration, as it was in West Bengal. The organisation also plans to obtain a Dhaki from Shantiniketan to keep the celebration as authentic as possible. While the group aims to provide a close-to-home Puja experience, there will be entertainment galore to enjoy.
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: BBCA Durga Puja Ground, Akshaya Nagar
Click Here for More Details / Schedule.
9. Bongodhara Cultural Association, Bhartiya City, Bangalore
If you're an art connoisseur, then BDCA's pandal setup and decor will stun you with its mix of West Bengal's Kalighat Pothochitra art and Karnataka's Mandala art. They have a five-day schedule of ceremonies, Aartis, and Pujas. Everything from the idol to the decorations is sourced locally. And if you are a Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fan, this is your chance to jam to Ananya Chakraborty's melodies on 2nd October. Fastest fingers to get your ticket is on BOOK MY SHOW
Dates: 30th September - 5th October
Venue: Bhartiya City, Thanisandra Main Road
Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
