Nestled in the idyllic Aravalli range, came up a pristine township called Suncity-Gurgaon, some 23-24 years back. As usual, like everywhere else in the world, amongst the oldest residents were few (7 to be precise) Bengali families who met up over cup of tea and just like that decided to celebrate Durga Puja; to recreate the magic and nostalgia of their homeland to their new-found home. The constraints were too many, so were the determinations. The hurdles were met up with open hearts and purses and thus took place our first Aravalli Sankriti Parishad Durga Puja 2003
Since then, lots have changed but celebrating Durga Puja and in this same artisanal (gharoa) flavour is never in question. In the following years, many new members have joined hands to add strength and to elevate the scale and grandeur. Durga Puja, the quintessential festival of our existence where devotion meets culture, artistry and of course culinary experimentation and explorations.
A 5 day festival of non stop fun, being participated by all – be it children, ladies, gentlemen or seniors. Everyone has assigned responsibilities – ladies are in charge of the ritualistic side of the puja (preparation of puja mandap, bhog, etc) and also designing and execution of the in-house cultural program, men are in charge of the finance, logistics and event management and children take part in various cultural and art & craft activities.
The day-puja, which is performed with strict adherence to the norms and traditions, gives way to the evening cultural programs and general festivities; open to all. In recent years, keeping in mind the desire to taste the bhog prasad, by many, we have introduced bhog handi system for a nominal sum.
Like every year, this year too, the various cultural activities can be enjoyed, performed by the in-house talents as well as the invited, celebrated artists (from Kolkata and Mumbai).
The celebration is commencing from Friday 16th October to Wednesday 21st October at Suncity Dispensary Ground, Suncity, Sector 54, Golf Course Road – Gurgaon.The festivities will include traditional worship, various cultural programs, a wide variety of gourmet food stalls serving both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies and much more. There will also be exciting activities and fun games for children, ladies, and gentlemen—including drawing competitions, one-minute shows, and engaging fun games.
On 21st October, sindoor khela of the ladies will be held before proceeding for visarjan.
While the last minute preparations are going on with great zeal and fervour in every vertical: as responsible residents of Suncity – Gurgaon, we have taken maximum care to use green and eco-friendly products in making and decorating our Ma Durga idol, maintaining sound decibel at permissible limit and a proper waste management system.
Durga Puja is a major festival in Bengal and over millions of people, from around the world, fly and flock in to attend pujo with their families and friends. Our (Aravalli Sanskiti Parishad, Suncity, Gurgaon) pujo too sees a major flux of pandal-hoppers and equally enthusiastic people, from in and around Golf Course Road and NCR who pay visit to seek divine blessings and enjoy the culinary fest and cultural events.
Thanks & Regards!
From the desk of the Secretary,
Rahul Deb Banerjee
About The Author
