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Sunday, October 5, 2008

Durga Puja Tooting South London


"Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Maatrirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaktirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaantirupena Sansthitah
Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namo Namah"

(Goddess Durga is omnipresent. She is the personification of Universal Mother. She is a Mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of power and energy. Great mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of Peace. I bow to that mother, I bow to Durga, I bow to Shakti)

Since 1986, the members of the Tooting Durga Puja have been ably organizing and hosting the annual week-long festival in Tooting , South London in a grand and aesthetically uplifting manner. Its primary objective is to promote Bengali social, cultural and religious events throughout the year. In addition, it provides an opportunity for the children to learn about the rich and ancient cultural heritage of India, through organizing various talent shows, literary events and other cultural events where the youths actively participate.

Year after year, the selfless efforts of the dedicated members and volunteers resulted the most successful cultural and religious events like Durga Puja and Kali Puja. The outstanding performance by well-known artists from India and London and the friendly environment have made Tooting Durga Puja one of the most popular Bengali associations in London Tooting durga Puja encourages and invites interested individuals and their families to join and participate actively for its current commitment, future growth and diversification.

Tooting Durga Puja has gained tremendous popularity in London in the recent years and the events have been overwhelmed with thousands of attendees from different walks of life.

This year's group comprises of IT professionals, academicians, physicians & business people who have volunteered to take time off from their arduous schedules in order to join hands to organize the annual Durga Puja festival & to keep our rich culture alive & thriving not only among the Bengali community in London but the entire Indian community in this Country.

The members of the Committee encourage ideas, suggestions, patronage and voluntary service from the Community to ensure another year of successfully organizing and celebrating the greatest festival of Bengal in London . We always look forward to hearing from you.


Mythology of Durga Puja
According to Hindu mythology a demon named Mahishasura, earned the favor of Lord Shiva after a long and hard penance. Lord Shiva, impressed with his devotion, blessed him that no man or deity would be able to kill him and that only a woman can kill him. Mahishasur was very pleased with this boon as he thought that a woman can never defeat him. Arrogant Mahishasura started his reign of terror over the Universe and people were killed mercilessly. He even attacked the abode of the gods and conquered the heavens and became their leader.

After their defeat and humiliation at the hands of Mahishasur, the gods took refuge under Lord Brahma, who took them to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The only solution left was the creation of a woman who possess the ultimate power to fight and defeat Mahishasur. Pure energy blazed forth from Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - the trinity forming the pure energy of Godhood, all concentrating at one point that took the form of Goddess Durga.
The gods gifted the goddess with their weapons and other divine objects to help her in her battle with the demon, Mahishasura.The beautiful Durga, bedecked in jewels and golden armor and equipped with the fearsome weaponry of the gods, was ready to engage in battle with the fierce and cruel Mahishasura. As Mahishasura's armies were struck down effortlessly by Durga, it became obvious to him that he was not as secure in heaven as he had thought.
Mahishasura was shocked and enraged by the disastrous events on the battlefield. He took on the form of a demonic buffalo, and charged at the divine soldiers of Durga, goring and killing many and lashing out with his whip-like tail.

She pounced on Mahishasura, pushing him to the ground with her left leg. She grasped his head in one hand, pierced him with her sharp trident held in another, and with yet another of her ten hands she wielded her bright sword, beheading him. At last he fell dead, and the scattered surviving remnants of his once invincible army fled in terror.

Contact Us:

Mr. R. Aich,
18 Longmead Road,
London
SW17 8PN.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8767 3017

Email: info@tootingdurgapuja.com

Web: http://www.tootingdurgapuja.com

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