Durga Puja 2024: Durga Puja is one of India's most vibrant festivals which is celebrated with equal fervour in many countries around the world. As the Indian diaspora spreads across the globe, the festival has become a grand cultural event in many countries apart from India. These international celebrations mirror the joy, devotion, and festivities seen in India, attracting people from diverse backgrounds to partake in the cultural richness and spiritual essence of Durga Puja. From elaborate pandals to traditional rituals, the festive spirit transcends borders, creating a surreal atmosphere that unites communities globally in honoring the goddess Durga.
Here are five countries where Durga Puja is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as in India:
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Nepal:
Also known as Dashain, this 10-day festival is one of the most significant celebrations in Nepal. The country celebrated the festival similar to India, especially during Dashain period, the king is highly recognised and is more active in the celebrations. There is a complete suspension of public practice since students, institutions, colleges and even some public organisations are closed giving everybody time with their relatives. There are multiple festivals observed in the country which also include rites and rituals.
Bangladesh:
Bangladesh, which is home to the second largest population of Hindu Bengalis, observes Durga Puja with great enthusiams. The observance of this festival occurs in almost every city and district. Beauty and peace offering temples intricate sculptures of goddess Durga, where worshippers attend to pray and ask for goddess blessings. The pooja of Durga has a very special place in the cultural practice and religion of the Hindu population of Bangladesh.
The United Kingdom:
In Great Britain, the diaspora from India celebrates the Durga Puja festival with much more rigour. Many women’s organisations take participate in the celebration where they bring the images of the goddess that are most appropriate for the chaste Bengali celebration. These gatherings also serve as a means for people to connect, fostering a sense of community during the festival. Durga Puja is a time for the Indian community to come together, spreading love and unity.
The United States Of America:
Durga Puja festivities in the USA commenced in 1970s and have increased with time. At present, the Festival is observed in all the 50 states of America especially among the Bengali Indian population. Some associations have taken up the responsibility of presenting this five-day festival and provide an enclosure where individuals socialise, attend to religious activities making the event very important for the Indian residents in the country.
Australia:
The first celebration of Durga Puja in Australia was organised by a group of 12 families residing in New South Wales in the year 1974. Since then, it has expanded to all major cities across the nation. In Sydney, Bengali immigrants as well as other Indian communities commence the festivities. Meanwhile, in the Australian city of Melbourne, the pubic gets active in the southern Keysborough area, where rituals are practiced by the community, thus making it a community-based Durga Puja.