Bengal's Festival: A Tapestry of Tradition and Joy
Durga Puja is an annual festival in India honoring the Hindu Goddess Durga, who triumphed over demon Mahishasura. Though it is celebrated mostly in the Eastern states (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tripura and Assam) of India and the country Bangladesh and Nepal, particularly West Bengal, it lasts for ten days. The festival is observed in the Indian calendar in the month of Ashvin, which corresponds to September–October in the Gregorian calendar. The festival includes scripture recitations, performance arts, family visits, and lavish feasting including pandals, intricate idols, and cultural performances. Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage list of UNESCO in December 2021. It promotes communal unity and spiritual reflection.
Bengal’s Festive Kaleidoscope: Culture Meets Celebration
The Bengali community at IIT Roorkee is a vibrant and culturally rich group, known for its deep-rooted traditions and strong sense of togetherness. Durga Puja, a significant celebration, not only serves as a religious observance but also a cultural festival that brings people together, fostering a sense of belonging. The festival features traditional dishes, drama, music, dance performances, and showcasing Bengali art forms. It also serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting students from various backgrounds to participate, promoting understanding and appreciation of Bengali traditions.
The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) traces its origins to India's oldest engineering institution, founded in 1847 as the College of Civil Engineering. In 1854, it was renamed Thomason College of Civil Engineering in honor of its founder, James Thomason. After nearly a century of excellence on November 25, 1949, the institution was elevated to the status of a University becoming the first Engineering University of independent India. Thereafter, in September 2001, the Government of India transformed it into an IIT. That’s why IITR boasts a rich cultural diversity, reflecting the varied backgrounds of its students, faculty, and staff from across India and abroad.
Following this diversity, initially a few enthusiastic Bengalis, driven by the dream of promoting their homeland's Bengali culture, took the initiative to organize Durga Puja in IIT Roorkee campus. They eventually established a Bengali group. Now, it’s growing very fast. Our objective is to bring all the Bengalis of Roorkee under one banner and to establish a forum for spreading, practicing, and further developing our traditional culture through generations together.
We celebrate many festivals/activities with a spirit of togetherness, love, and harmony, breaking all socio-cultural barriers and making/unite all the residents of the IIT Roorkee campus, NIH campus, CBRI campus, Army campus, and the residents of the town of Roorkee.
About
We celebrate the following:
Sri Sri Durga Puja: MahaShasthi, MahaSaptamai, MahaAshtami, MahaNabami, BijoyaDashami.
Anandamela: On the evening of MahaPanchami, it is a food festival that takes place during Durga Puja, a cultural celebration in India. It's a gathering of people where they sell homemade food, often reminiscent of Bengal.
Lakshmi Puja: It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, which is typically performed on Ashvin Purnima day on the month of Ashvin, the full moon day following the Vijaya Dashami and Durga Puja. This puja is also known as Kojagori Lokkhi Pujo.
Bijoya Sammilani: It is the celebration of the victory of good over evil. For Bengalis it is the time to meet and greet everyone. We wish everyone Shubho Bijoya (Auspicious Victory). This was the time we used to visit everyone's house.
Saraswati Puja: It is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning, which is typically celebrated during Vasant Panchami, which usually falls in January or February.
Subho Nabobarsho: It is a greeting used to wish someone a Happy New Year in Bengali. It is used to celebrate the Bengali New Year, which is also known as Pohela Baisakh.
Various Cultural Events: Singing, Dancing, Drama, Sit-and-Draw, Quiz, etc.
We encourage all to participate and perform, showcasing their talent, and giving scope to unite with the various cultures.
Festive Vibes: The Soul of West Bengal’s Cultural Heritage
West Bengal celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, starting with Makar Sankranti and Saraswati Puja in spring. After that Bengali New Year, popularly known as Nabobarsho is celebrated. Holi marks the festival of colors, followed by the grand Durga Puja in autumn, followed by Lakshmi puja. Kali Puja and Diwali bring light and joy, while Poush Mela in winter highlights Bengal’s cultural heritage. Festivals like Rath Yatra and Jagaddhatri Puja add to the vibrant celebrations.
Festival Highlights
Here are some moments captured from various cultural events celebrated in IIT Roorkee campus organized by Sarbajanin Durga Puja Committee that display the vibrant and beautiful culture of West Bengal.
