Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF), a UK charity and an Indian diaspora organisation focused on promoting and preserving the heritage of Bengal, has just unveiled its annual Durga Puja line-up starting this week in London.
“Durga Puja is a time-honoured tradition that brings together the Indian diaspora and local communities in a unique, modern, public celebration of culture. We aim to replicate here in London and in our own way, the magic, the grandeur, the culture, and the camaraderie of Durga Puja in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India through our flagship event London Sharad Utsav,” it said in a statement.
This year’s celebrations will be held between October 11 and October 14 at the Pitzhanger Manor Grounds – a new venue for the festival in Ealing, west London. Pegged as Europe’s Durga Puja, the event this week marks the 16th year of the charity celebrating the festival in London.
BHF started as a heritage project of London Sharad Utsav to showcase “Patachitra” – a Bengali art-form in the UK. The success of the project led to the formation of the Foundation. Its members are mostly professionals across various fields from investment banking to information technology, from teaching to medicine, from entrepreneurs to chartered accountants – who are passionate about art, culture, sports and heritage.
“Through Bengal Heritage Foundation, I have a desire to see the Bengali British shared heritage, the art and culture of Bengal appreciated, recognised and utilised for the benefit of all,” said Suranjan Som, Trustee of BHF and LSU.
London Sharad Utsav (LSU), also a registered UK charity, refers to “Autumn Festival” with Durga Puja as its flagship event celebrated over four days of religious and cultural events at Ealing annually. Arranged over four days of cultural performances, religious ceremonies, a place for visitors to congregate for worship, and food (bhog) all provided free of charge.
With the event claiming a footfall of over 10,000 unique visitors, LSU along with parent organisation BHF showcases social and cultural events aimed at promoting Bengali heritage in the UK.
*Info: Durga Puja
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