Visakhapatnam’s Bengali community celebrates Durga Puja with rituals, bhog and cultural programmes

Visakhapatnam's Bengali community observed Durga Puja with rituals, bhog, and cultural events on Sunday. Devotees worshipped the statues of Goddess Durga during the second day of Maha Saptami. The Bengali Association, which started the celebrations in One Town, is the oldest non-Telugu community association in the city, according to Arunabh Karmakar, a software engineer and association member.

The puja resumed after three-year suspension during World War II and was held at various venues, including the Town Hall, Simhachalam Devasthanam hall, and Rani Chandramani Park Marg. This year, the idols were smaller due to the height of the roof, standing about 7.5 feet tall. Bhog, prepared without onion or garlic, was served for four days, with an extra day added to the puja.

The cultural evenings featured Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa artistes from Kolkata, a dance drama titled "Bhuter Golpo," Dhunuchi Nach, and Sindur Khela, concluding with the goddess's immersion on October 21.