The Bengali Association of Western Australia (BAWA) celebrated Durga Puja this year from 30th September to 2nd October. The Bengalis are generally famous for their love for festivals and food. Durga Puja with the tune of ‘Dhak’ is the lifeline of Bengali culture. It also symbolises community connection and wellbeing. In Perth the Durga Puja was started by a small group of Bengalis in the early 90’s of the last century at their own house and since then the tradition has continued. The idol then was hand made by one of the community members and the pride of the puja among the Bengalis continues today as well. This year the Bengali Association of Western Australia celebrated their 30th Year of Durga Puja, the biggest and oldest puja in Perth.
Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi and Smt. Takhi joined the vibrant Bengali community in celebrating Durga Pujo, organised by the Bengali Association of Western Australia led by Dr. Ashis Roy and other senior and young members of the Community.
In a written message to the Bengali Association of Western Australia, Premier of Western Australia Mark McGown MLA said, “This year marks 30 years that the Bengali Association has held Durga Puja, celebrating the goddess Durga, ‘the destroyer of evil’. This festival of love, power and family is an occasion to celebrate humanity and Bengali cultural heritage.” Lauding the endeavours of the Bengali Association he added, “Sharing your distinct heritage is just one of the many ways the Bengali community contributes to the advancement of the state and its ethos of multiculturalism. I commend the Bengali Association of Western Australia for hosting and sharing this annual event, which has now become a part of this state’s calendar of multicultural festivals.
Just as in previous years, Durga Puja in Perth was celebrated wearing traditional clothes, offering Anjali, and offering Bijoya pranam to elders and best wishes to youngsters .The familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi Nachh and Shankho Dhowni, and active participation from wider Western Australian communities transformed the Durga Puja event into a truly family and multicultural event.
