Formed by the people of a particular community, these associations conduct a lot of programmes and activities. Metrolife takes a look at the events that will take place this Dasara.
Navaratri is celebrated in the North with great fanfare. But the North Indians in the City need not feel they are missing out on the festivities as many associations celebrate Navaratri complete with garba and dandia celebrations.
The Bangalore Vaishnav Samaj Charitable Trust has many events lined up to give the people in the City a chance to take part in this folk festival of Gujarat. The garba celebrations will be held from September 28 till October 7 at the Nalapad Pavilion, Palace Grounds from 9 pm.
Says Rajesh Vallya, one of the organisers, “We have been conducting this for many years and there is growing prominence of this festival, not only among Gujaratis but also people from other communities.
Along with the garba, we even have religious activities like prartham conducted everyday in Gandhinagar.” On the last day, that is Dasara, there are garba and dandia competitions held along with other celebrations. Apart from this, there are events organised at Umiya Bhavan on Vijayanagar Main Road, Jalaram Bhavan on Chord Road, Sardar Patel Bhavan in Vasanthnagar, Jayanagar 4th Block and Indiranagar.
For the people of the East, this time is dedicated to Goddess Durga and hence, a lot of pandals will be set up everywhere. The Bengalee Association has celebrations lined up from October 2 to October 6. Similarly, the Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association (PBCA) in Brookfield is also organising a lot of cultural events showcasing prominent Bengali singers, a community feast and a Kojagori Lakshmi Puja followed by Kali Puja.
Starting on October 2, various cultural programmes like group dances and songs will be organised. On October 6, the association will conduct a procession that is similar to the one that happens in Kolkata. Says N G Mandal, the president of PBCA, “On the last day, we conduct the immersion of Ma Durga. We will have a procession from Kundalahalli to Domlur, Cubbon Hospital, Trinity Circle and then Ulsoor Lake.”
One of the oldest celebrations in the City happens in Koramangala and is conducted by Sarathi Socio-Cultural Trust. Says Sudipto Das, the secretary of the trust, “We would be bringing the most original old idol of Durga during the puja this year. We have been distributing free bhog everyday and will have a lot of cultural programmes during the festival.”
The Socio Cultural Association in Indiranagar will be celebrating the Durga Puja for four days from October 2 to October 6. “The morning time will be dedicated to puja, pushpanjali and competitions like painting and sports activities for children. But in the evenings, there will be a lot of cultural events and also community lunch on all days. On the last day, we will immerse the Goddess in the afternoon,” says S K Ghosh, president of the association. With so many different programmes and festivities, this festival remains a great opportunity for various communities to come together.
A glance at the celebrations
Shree Indiranagar Gujarati Association, Kempamma Temple, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar — Sept 28 to Oct 6
Samyukth Gujarati Samaj, Vasanthnagar — Sept 28 to Oct 6
Bangalore Vaishnav Samaj Charitable Trust, Gandhinagar — Sept 28 to Oct 6
Shree Maa Mangal Group, Princess Golf, Palace Grounds — Sept 28 to Oct 6
Bengali Association, Assaye Road — Oct 2 to Oct 6
Poorva Bangalore Cultural Association, Brookefield — Oct 2 to Oct 6
Tripura Mondoli, CMH Road — Oct 2 to Oct 6
Socio-Cultural Association, Defence Colony — Oct 2 to Oct 6
Sarathi Socio-Cultural Trust, Koramangala — Oct 1 to Oct 5