Gorakhpur: Bengali Samiti, Gorakhpur, will organise its 119th Sharadiya Durga Utsav at Durgabari from Oct 16 to 22, featuring traditional rituals and cultural programmes celebrating the religious and cultural heritage of the Bengali community.Samiti patron Roop Kumar Banerjee said a musical presentation of Mahishasuramardini would be held at 4am on Shashthi in front of the idol of Goddess Durga. The annual souvenir, Jaya, will be released at 8pm the same day, highlighting the organisation’s cultural activities, traditions and social initiatives.Samiti president Amarnath Chatterjee and secretary Abhishek Chatterjee said the Durga Puja at Durgabari was not merely a religious event but also a celebration of a longstanding cultural tradition. Priests and dhakis (traditional drummers) from Bengal will be invited to conduct the rituals and create the festive atmosphere with traditional drumbeats.Abhishek Chatterjee said the celebrations would include cultural evenings, a Bengali comedy play staged by women, a Hindi play and competitions for children. The programmes aim to connect younger generations with Indian culture, art and traditions while encouraging community participation.The annual celebration holds a special place in Gorakhpur’s cultural life, bringing together devotees and helping preserve Bengali traditions and community bonds.
