Durga Puja 2024 organized by BAGA
October 11 saw the much-anticipated arrival of Durga Puja in Atlanta. Organized by the Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA), it is the biggest annual festival for Bengalis and marks the Goddess Durga’s yearly visit to rid the world of evil.
[Left] BAGA Durga Puja was celebrated with joy and reverence by the Bengali community.
The expert prep crew operated like clockwork at Mountain View High School, Lawrenceville. In record time, they had erected the stage and set up the clay images complemented by gorgeous stage décor and lighting. The priest commenced the Bodhan or inaugural ceremony, invoking timeless prayers and mantras to the beating of the traditional dhaaks or folk drums. The scent of puja flowers and fragrant incense permeated the air, imparting an exotic and magical aura to the event. The pageantry of the occasion was heightened by the bevy of Bengali beauties bedecked in exclusive jewelry and draped in their colorful puja finery. The men, not to be outdone, were attired in the latest Bengali dhoti-kurta (traditional dress) ensembles, while the children romped around in glee clad in ethnic eye candy outfits!
The Consul General of India in Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, accompanied by his wife, graced the event and warmly welcomed the attendees. Three days of joyful celebration unfolded with a kaleidoscopic array of events showcasing Bengali Indian culture, art, music, and food. The audience was wowed by both local adult and youth performers including little kindergarten
kids. But that wasn’t all.
The delicious Bengali soul food too, was a sure-shot recipe for success! The star attraction for three consecutive evenings was presented by three groups of reputed celebrity singers and musicians all the way from Kolkata! Their outstanding performance electrified the audience. It was a dramatic spectacle. Everyone was dancing and everyone was unanimous in their opinion: It was a runaway success, but if only it wasn’t over so soon!
—Prosanto Hazra
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