Taiwan Probashi: Puja, 2019
Reminiscence
Taiwan Bengali Association proudly presents The “Durga Puja “ in Taiwan embarking in its 11th year. Taiwan Bengali
association was established to bring the Bengali community in Taiwan together and also to revive the rich cultural
heritage of Bengal in the humblest ways. Before the 2009 Durga puja celebration in Taiwan was unheard of but then a
very close circle of enthusiastic 40 people including families and students came together to commemorate the
first-ever Durga puja in 2009. It was a milestone achieved with much success. Following the tradition, this year too
Durga puja is being celebrated for two days. The first day worshipping Ma Durga with elaborate rituals and on the
second day Bijoya. Till 2018 the members of TBA had taken up the responsibility of decoration of the venue and
preparing and providing the puja food on themselves. Decoration included both handmade backdrops, paper
streamers, garlands and also things brought specially from India. We enjoy the plethora of Bengali vegetarian food on
Puja day and Non-vegetarian food on Bijoya. The menu includes traditional Bengali dishes relished by one and all. To
add to the excitement in puja we present cultural events with much pomp and show. Along with the elders, the teeny
tiny members of the community are also not far behind earning accolades with their recitations, song and dance
presentations.
Slowly and steadily as the Indian diaspora has flourished likewise the following years we have witnessed a significant
increase in the number of people participating in the festival. Earlier we worshipped with beautiful small Thermocol
Durga idol but in 2018 one “Ek Chaala” Durga Idol was shipped in directly from Kumor Tuli, Kolkata marking an
immense change in the festivities and making it one of its kind in grandeur. It was like bringing the nostalgic flavor
and feel of Durga puja in West Bengal to Taiwan. Also now the local Indian restaurants were given the duty of catering
scrumptious Indian food. This year we are celebrating Durga puja on the 6th and 10th of October. 2019 Durga puja
will see new heights in terms of grandeur and We shall make it more successful with the hearty cooperation and
active participation of each and every one. So come let's celebrate Taiwan Durga puja with more religious fervour and
zest.
----- Translated from ” িফের দখা ” by Arpita Sarkar, New Taipei City
Shard Utsav - 2018 Moments
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