Probashe Pujo 2024: Celebrating Durga Pujo Abroad with Bengali Traditions

 

Durga Puja is more than just a festival for Bengalis—it’s the heartbeat of our culture, a tradition steeped in devotion and community. For every Bengali, the rhythmic beats of the dhak, the soulful chants of the Anjali, and the mystical aura of Sandhi Puja hold an irreplaceable charm. These elements aren’t just part of a celebration; they’re woven into our identity, reminding us of home, heritage, and the joy of shared moments. But things have taken a different turn this year for many of us.

For the first time, we are away from the familiar warmth of our home and family’s Durga Puja celebrations, experiencing this sacred festival in a foreign land. The laughter, the comforting chaos of our family, and the shared joy of community feel like they are worlds away. And yet, in this new experience, we find a bittersweet charm, a way to stay connected to the essence of home while embracing a new chapter. Watching the home festivities unfold on Facebook Live, nostalgia blends with the thrill of being part of something bigger—Probashe Durga Pujo (Durga Puja abroad).

A New Experience: Durga Puja in the US

As the weekend rolls in, so does the excitement of our very first Probashe Pujo. It’s Friday evening, October 11th, while Kolkata gears up for Mahaashtami & Nabami, we prepare to recreate the magic of Durga Puja in Nashville. The Bengali Association of Greater Nashville (BAGN) organized this Puja at the city’s only Hindu temple—the Ganesh Temple.

This temple, with its intricate architecture, serves as a reminder of the spiritual connection we carry, even in a foreign land. Durga Puja here is typically celebrated over weekends, aligning with the schedules of the Bengali diaspora. This year, the festivities started on October 11th, a Friday, allowing us to condense the five days of Puja—Sasthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, & Bijoya Dasami—into two action-packed days over the weekend.

An Overseas Tradition: Fiberglass Idols & Community Spirit

The Puja may be oceans away from Bengal, but the devotion and care in the preparations are no less intense. The idol of Goddess Durga, crafted from fiberglass, is brought all the way from India, arriving at least a month in advance. This carefully designed idol is a feat of engineering as much as art—it’s screw-based and assembled before the Puja begins, ready to be disassembled after the festivities. Since immersion (Visarjan) in water isn’t possible, the idol awaits its next celebration with eager anticipation for the coming year.

Bengali families from all over Nashville come together to organize and sponsor the Puja. Each day of the Puja is sponsored by a family, keeping alive the tradition of community support that is central to any Durga Puja. Senior Bengali Brahmins, who have become the custodians of this tradition, lead the rituals. Their recitations of Chandipath, the sacred hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga, reverberate through the temple, transporting everyone back to the thakurdalan (ritual space) of their ancestral homes.

Rituals That Keep Tradition Alive

The most auspicious ritual, Pushpanjali (offering of flowers), retains its importance even in the U.S., where Bengali families gather to uphold tradition. Much like the Maha Ashtami Anjali, devotees here assemble with flowers and bel leaves, offering their heartfelt prayers to the goddess. The air is filled with reverence, and for that moment, it feels as if the distance between two worlds is bridged, bringing a sense of home to those far away. 

The celebrations begin with Bodhon on Friday (11^th October), marking the formal start of the Puja, followed by the main rituals—Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, & Maha Nabami—which take place the next day (Saturday, 12^th October). This year, the Durga Puja 2024 culminates on Sunday, 13th October, with the Dashami Puja, signifying the completion of the festival.

As the day progresses, the festive spirit continues with cultural programs, echoing the essence of Bengali Puja celebrations. Music, dance, and drama take center stage, with children and adults alike participating, adding their unique flavor to the Puja.

The Festive Vibe: Traditional Attire & Delicious Prasadam

For many, one of the highlights of Durga Puja is the chance to dress up in traditional attire. Men don dhoti and kurta, while women drape themselves in elegant sarees adorned with intricate jewelry. The Agomoni songs (songs heralding the arrival of Goddess Durga) play in the background as families gather, taking in the joyous energy of the festival.

And what’s a Bengali celebration without food?

The Prasadam, lovingly prepared by the community, is nothing short of divine. The spread includes khichuri (a savory rice and lentil dish), sabji (vegetables), chutney, and payesh (oats pudding). Each bite is a reminder of home and the shared joy of community feasting.

Culmination in Sindur Khela & Bijoya Sommeloni

The grand finale of Durga Puja, Sindur Khela—where women smear each other with vermillion—is as emotional here as it is back in Bengal. It marks the bittersweet moment of bidding farewell to the goddess, with blessings for the coming year. The festivities close with Misti Mukh (sharing of sweets) and the Bijoya Sommeloni, where an eminent singer from India serenades the gathering. It’s a moment to greet and embrace each other, to reflect on the bonds that this festival strengthens even when celebrated far from home.

As the weekend draws to a close, Bengali families in Nashville return to their regular routines, but with hearts full of warmth and blessings from the goddess. The Probashe Durga Puja may take place over a weekend, but its impact lingers long after. It becomes a beacon of cultural pride, a reminder that no matter where life takes us, the love for Durga Puja remains unchanged.

In the coming year, as the Bengalis here await the next Durga Puja, they’ll cherish the memories of this year’s gathering—knowing that no matter where they are in the world, Durga Puja will always be a homecoming of the heart.

Subho Bijoya Dashami & Happy Dussehra! Sending blessings to all. Stay connected to our Probashi family -Life Explorer Team and cherished traditions!