Durga puja celebrations by Bengali associations to be low-key in Chennai

But this year, Bengali associations in the city have decided to host Durga puja (October 22-26) celebrations in a subdued manner. Soumya Guha Thakurta, Secretary of the Bengal Association in T Nagar, tells DT Next, “Durga puja is one of the prominent festivals where Bengalis in the city come together and celebrate. Our auditorium in T Nagar used to be crowded with people from different communities. But due to the current situation, we are celebrating it in a low-key way. We are not having any cultural programs or food stalls inside the auditorium. But the priests will continue to do the rituals.”

 Generally, Durga puja is incomplete with great cultural events. Though there is no large scale entertainment, the association has planned to keep up the tradition in a different manner. “We will be live telecasting puja rituals on our website Chennai Bengal Association. Association members are now recording songs, dance and audio dramas from their houses. We will be telecasting these cultural programs during the Durga puja days,” he adds.

 The priest for the South Madras Cultural Association, Besant Nagar, Mahadev Bhattacharya reveals that the association is observing Durga puja festivities in a low-key manner.