Gujarat’s ‘largest Durga puja event in West India’: Association set to host 88th edition of festival

The association anticipates a daily footfall of approximately 70,000 devotees and visitors,who will partake in the sacred morning ‘Bhog’ and the evening cultural programmes. According to the BCA, there are an estimated two lakh Bengalis in Ahmedabad. “This year’s celebration is designed to be a vibrant cultural cauldron, showcasing the rich heritage of Bengal. For the first time at this scale, we will organise the famous traditional chhau dance of Kolkata,” Anal Mukherjee, President of BCA, Ahmedabad told The Indian Express.

The event will also feature a mix of local talent and renowned artists from Kolkata such as celebrated singers Ankita Bhattacharya, Pabitro Chakraborty, Brishtilekha Nandini, and Prantik Sur. Over 50 stalls will be installed, including a diverse range of home-cooked Bengali food items at home at over 20 thematic food stalls.

“This will be the largest Bengali cultural event in West India. The atmosphere will be kept vibrant and engaging with a lineup of quizzes, singing competitions, and artistic performances by local members, ensuring there is something for everyone. Over the years, even non-Bengalis have also become a part of the event and it has become a well-accepted cultural amalgamation in the city,” Priyanka Roy, the spokesperson of BCA, told The Indian Express.

“As a proud bastion of Bengali culture in Gujarat, we are thrilled to invite people from all communities to join our 88th Kalibari Durga Puja. This festival is a celebration of unity and shared heritage,” Mukherjee said. The BCA has recently inaugurated a new community building in Ahmedabad.The association was established 88 years ago and is one of the oldest well-known cultural organisations in Gujarat.