Noida : The Bongo Moitri Cultural Society Trust (BMCST) at RG Residency, Sector 120, has once again recreated the cultural grandeur of Bengal’s Sarodiya Durga Puja, now in its third consecutive year of celebration. The festival, inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, was marked by devotion, tradition, and community participation.
The festivities commenced on Panchami, 27 September 2025, with Anondo Mela, a culinary competition where women residents showcased homemade vegetarian delicacies, bringing traditional Bengali flavors to the table.
The following day, on Shasthi, the ritual of Bodhon (invocation of Goddess Durga) was performed. The puja was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by renowned film and theatre personality Purnendu Bhattacharya, who commended the community for preserving and promoting cultural heritage outside Bengal.
This year’s pandal carried a distinctive theme inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s “Sahaj Path”, the celebrated Bengali primer for children. Conceptualized and executed entirely by Prashanto Bhowmik, a member of BMCST, the decoration featured artistic sketches, Bengali alphabets, and verses from Sahaj Path. A dedicated selfie corner with Sahaj Path illustrations became a special attraction for the younger generation.
On Ashtami, the society performed the revered Kumari Puja, symbolizing the worship of the feminine divine power.
The evenings of the festival turned into a vibrant cultural showcase, with 160 in-house participants presenting performances in music, dance, and theatre. Professional artists from Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi further enriched the stage, delivering electrifying performances that enthralled the audience.
In a heartwarming initiative, BMCST also extended the platform to the children of domestic staff, encouraging them to participate in drawing competitions and cultural performances, a gesture widely appreciated by residents.
The Durga Puja at RG Residency was not confined to rituals alone, it was a true cultural extravaganza, blending devotion, inclusivity, and artistic expression, and reinforcing the spirit of togetherness in the community.