Durga Puja, the grand festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in Santiago, Chile, following all the traditional Bengali rituals. The local Bengali community, under the leadership of the Durgotsav Committee, ensured that every aspect of the celebration was authentic, from the rituals to the cultural events, transporting attendees to the heart of Bengal.
Since weekdays are challenging for most, the celebrations were scheduled for Sunday, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. The day was filled with religious rituals, cultural performances, and community bonding, making it a memorable occasion.
The day began with the Shashthi Puja and continued through the sequence of rituals, culminating with the Bijoya Dashami ceremonies. The rituals were led by Pandit ji, who performed each step with utmost care, following the traditional customs from Bengal, as the devotees offered Pushpanjali and participated in the sacred Aarti. The entire atmosphere was filled with devotion, and the chanting of mantras brought a sense of spiritual fulfillment to all attendees.
A special highlight of the celebrations was the Kumari Puja, a ritual where a young girl, symbolizing the goddess in her purest form, is worshipped. The three little girl chosen for the Kumari Puja were beautifully dressed in a traditional red saree and adorned with flowers and jewelry. They were seated on a high pedestal and revered as a living embodiment of the goddess, as the community offered prayers to her. This ancient tradition, honoring the divine feminine in its purest form, was performed with great reverence, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the festival. It was a deeply emotional and uplifting experience for everyone present, adding a special touch to the festivities.
The Puja was followed by a sumptuous Bhog, prepared as an offering to Maa Durga and later distributed to all the devotees. Each dish was prepared with care, and the community enjoyed the meal together, strengthening the bonds of unity and shared tradition
In the spirit of true Bengali celebrations, the cultural programs added a vibrant touch to the event. The stage came alive with performances of Rabindra Sangeet, traditional dances, and modern performances, reflecting the diversity of Bengali art forms.
The drawing competition for kids was another crowd-pleaser. Children enthusiastically drew their versions of festival. The competition added a playful and creative dimension to the festival, while also encouraging the younger generation to connect with their cultural roots.
A Community Effort
The Durgotsav Committee went above and beyond to ensure the success of the event. From arranging the Puja to organizing cultural performances, they paid attention to every detail, making sure that the celebration was authentic and joyous. Their dedication brought the spirit of Durga Puja alive in Santiago, allowing everyone to experience a little piece of Bengal far from home.
As the day drew to a close, the Bijoya Dashami rituals were performed with great emotion. Devotees exchanged Shubho Bijoya greetings, sharing sweets and hugs as they bid farewell to Maa Durga. The celebration was not just an expression of faith but a testament to the power of community and tradition, leaving everyone with a heart full of joy and the promise to gather again next year.
