On Saturday, October 21, Bishopdale Community Centre in Christchurch came alive with the radiant colours and joyful sounds of Durga Puja celebration hosted by Christchurch Bengali Community.

This auspicious event, a grand celebration of one of the most significant Hindu festivals, resonated with the spirit of triumph over evil and unity in diversity.

The celebration was a big hit with Christchurch’s Bengali community, with people coming from all over the city to attend, dressed in their best traditional clothes.

The event transcended cultural boundaries, showcasing a delightful line-up of performances from diverse cultural groups, including Bengali, Sri Lankan, Mexican, Kiwi, and Japanese artists.

This vivid range of cultures on display was a testament to Christchurch's commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity.

As with every Indian festival, food played a pivotal role in the festivities. The sumptuous feast was a highlight for everyone, with exotic flavours and aromas filling the air, creating an atmosphere of shared joy and culinary appreciation.

The celebration was honoured by the presence of guests including Megan Woods, Hamish Campbell, and Duncan Webb.

Arpan Mukherjee, a representative of the organising committee, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the event's success. He underscored the dedication and passion invested in every facet of the celebration, and guests unanimously agreed that the event was orchestrated "from the heart".

This year's Durga Puja celebrations were particularly significant, as UNESCO officially recognised the festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This acknowledgement celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Hindu community and highlights Durga Puja's role in promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity and unity.

The young ones revelled in the festivities, enchanting performances, and a captivating magic show. 

The High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, conveyed her warm wishes to the attendees through a video message, bestowing her blessings of happiness, prosperity, and good health.

Her message resonated with the participants, who shared their aspirations for a world blessed with peace. In the words of a participant, "Goddess Durga symbolises power and victory over evil, and we hope that this festival season will bless the Earth with peace. Thank you."

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Christchurch City Council, Indian High Commission and NZ Mortgages.