The 12th annual Durga Puja celebrations by the UK Hindu Cultural Association (UKHCA) were held with much fanfare and grandeur at the Swanley Town Hall in Kent, United Kingdom from 10th to 13th October, 2024. Like every year, the puja was a perfect amalgamation of traditional values with every ritual being performed with utmost sanctity by our priest and our team of puja coordinators and also of modern methods with live streaming of most of the ceremonies for easy access of everyone. It was heartwarming to see the younger generations embracing their roots while having their fair share of fun in the form of ‘Dhunuchi naach’ (traditional puja dance) and organising a fashion show. There was a record number of footfall noted on all days of puja, especially on Nabami and Dashami with a headcount reaching around 1000 attendees every day. The palpable enthusiasm noted amongst one and all makes it easily understandable that the UKHCA Durga puja has become a stage for Indian, South Asian and other ethnic communities in London and Kent to come together and celebrate our shared ethos of bonhomie and peace. Our puja also provided a platform for local businesses to come forward showcase their craft to many visitors and all our stalls – be it food, jewellery or ethnic wear – all were a big hit!

One of the main attractions of our puja every year is the ‘bhog’ (food) that is served to the people attending every day. This time we partnered with highly reputed food caterers like Kolkata Roll Corner by Kishore Das, Indian Essence, Ghoroa by Mrinal Sarkar and Jha’s catering. All our sweets were from the famous Ambala sweet shop. As a part of our environmental commitment and making our puja a truly sustainable one we made every possible effort to reduce the use of ‘single use plastic’ materials. The switch to eco friendly tableware and cutlery was appreciated by one and all.

Amidst all the revelry, UKHCA also made a solemn promise to seek true justice for the heinous crime committed against Abhaya/Tilottoma at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. A musical tribute to support the fight for justice titled ‘Jagoron’ was organised by the cultural team. On Sandhi Puja, one of the most powerful moments of Ashtami puja to worship the divine feminine, 108 lamps were lit to pray for true justice.

Like every year, our celebrations ended with grand ‘Debiboron and Sindoorkhela’, a ritual where you bid farewell to the Goddess returning to her marital home with smearing of vermillion on each other and chanting a message of hope -“Ashche bochor abar hobe!” (may we return to celebrate again next year).