Durga Puja - Maitree Association Of America

Durga Puja, one of the most significant festivals in Bengali culture, resonates deeply with the spirit of devotion, artistry, and community. Celebrated primarily in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh, as well as among Bengali communities worldwide, Durga Puja honors Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil. The festival spans over several days, culminating in the jubilant immersion of Durga idols in rivers or lakes. Intricately crafted pandals (temporary structures) house beautifully adorned idols of the goddess, alongside elaborate decorations and cultural performances. Families come together, dressed in traditional attire, to offer prayers, feast on delicious Bengali cuisine, and enjoy the festive spirit with music, dance, and traditional rituals. Durga Puja not only symbolizes the victory of good over evil but also serves as a time for cultural renaissance and communal harmony among Bengalis globally.