50 years & counting...
While residents of Bengal have already started getting ready for the pujas, the members of the Malaysian Bengalee Association (non-resident Bengalis), mostly based in Kuala Lumpur, are also busy making their last-minute puja preparations. For more than 50 years, the members of this association have been celebrating Durga Puja in Malaysia, attempting to uphold the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Elaborating the plans during this festive period, Mr Prodeep Kumar Roy, president of this association said: “Almost 200 families are members of our association and the number of members are increasing with every passing year.” From preparing the traditional dishes, performing every ritual to organising evening cultural programs, the members of this association try to make this festival a grand success. While women are engaged in making puja proshads and puja bhog, men are busy inviting the guests via e-mail. “We also invite native Malaysians to join our community Puja so they could also enjoy the four days with us,” Mr Roy said. Since it is one of the oldest associations to perform pujas, located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, many Indians flock here to celebrate the biggest festival of Bengal. The idol, along with the purohit, come from Kolkata along with necessary items required for performing the puja. “Previously we used to organise the cultural programs on all four days, but this year we have decided to host plays along with a dance programme only on Saptami and Asthami," Mr Roy added. Along with a host of cultural programmes, Dhunuch naach and Sindhur Khela will also be performed by women so people feel the true essence of the Puja. As for the food, everyone knows a Puja celebration is incomplete without gorging on traditional dishes. Members have elaborate plans to cook delicious Bengali delicacies as a part of the puja celebration. Delicacies include luchi khichuri, labrah, pulao, paneer, chutney and sweets like jalebis, rosogollas and narus. Bhog is distributed to all visitors throughout the day. Along with Dunuchi naach, children of various ages will perform dances as well as host plays on Saptami and Ashtami to entertain the audience. This association performs every rite and ritual to make the pujas a grand success. “This year we expect wider participation as other communities have expressed their willingness to participate in this festival,” Mr Roy said. n Sulagna Sengupta source: the statesman
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