Durga Puja in Manitoba, Canada

THE BENGALI CULTURAL SOCIETY OF MANITOBA

‘SANSKRITI’ is a Bengali word which means culture. In April 2006, a few like-minded Bengali families of Winnipeg got together and set up a new organization named SANSKRITI (The Bengali Cultural Society of Manitoba). The founding families felt the need for a democratic forum under which Bengali and other South Asian cultural pursuits can be undertaken and spread in the broad Canadian milieu in Winnipeg. In the developmental stage it was apparent that the members felt the need for a democratic, active and participatory organization which will enhance the sense of the community well being, encourage the younger generation of Bengali families in taking an active interest in their cultural and religious festivals, and promote Bengali and South Asian culture.

Although a young organization, SANSKRITI has already distinguished itself by undertaking a number of activities. We started by celebrating our Bengali New Year 1413 - known as ‘Poila Baisakh’-literally the first day of Baisakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year. We celebrated ‘Poila Baisakh’ in the traditional Bengali way-with food, song and dance and also with the quintessential Bengali ‘Adda’-which loosely means a free wheeling conversation among friends. Our next undertaking, in collaboration with the India School of Music, Dance and Drama, was to organize a musical evening by classical singer Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay accompanied on the Tabla by Subhajyoti Guha. The evening was a resounding success. The well-known and accomplished duo mesmerized the packed audience with their masterful performance.

Emboldened by our success, SANSKRITI then decided to organize the most important festival for Bengali Hindus-the DURGA PUJA. The significance of DURGA PUJA to Bengali Hindus is similar to the significance of Christmas in Western society. DURGA PUJA for us is a time for family and friends – a time to get together, worship, and exchange greetings-all laced with good food and of course ‘Adda’. Although, DURGA PUJA is a religious festival, it is also a poignant social event in which many non-Hindu friends also join us in our merriment. The photographs illustrate different activities performed during the 5-day DURGA PUJA festival.

In an effort to promote the Bengali Culture, SANSKRITI will provide Training in Vocal music in the field of Classical and Semi-Classical to the interested person(s). SANSKRITI is currently a relatively small and informal organization. It will provide Major decisions are taken co-operatively through discussion in meetings and through e-mails. As our members grow in number, we shall put a more formal organizational structure in place.

For all communications please use the ‘Contact-mail to sanskriti.winnipeg@gmail.com

THE BENGALI CULTURAL SOCIETY OF MANITOBA

Durga Puja in Manitoba, Canada Durga Puja Canada Durga Puja Winnipeg Durga Puja