More than1,800 people came together to celebrate Durga Puja, the biggest festival for Bengalis, organised by the Bengali Association of Victoria (BAV). As the oldest Bengali organisation in the state, BAV once again turned the festival into a colourful mix of devotion, culture, and community spirit.
For two days in a row over the weekend, GAA Gaelic Park, 324 Perry Rd, Keysborough, transformed into a little piece of Bengal. The theme this year was about recreating the spirit of the five-day Durga Puja in Kolkata.
“We wanted to bring that feeling from Kolkata to here,” said BAV President Narayan Banerjee. “The idea was to create a mental connection. We’re trying to recreate that special environment for our community in Melbourne.”
Banerjee added. “It’s all about togetherness. Our community is spread all over Victoria, and this is the one time of year everyone comes to meet, share greetings, and catch up. It’s like a giant family reunion.”
The celebration started on Saturday morning with prayers to the Goddess Durga. Afterwards, everyone shared bhog—a traditional meal that brought people together over food.
The evening was filled with songs, dances, speeches, and a skit. In keeping with the theme, the performances reflected the energy of puja back home, while also giving local talent a chance to shine. Participants received certificates for their efforts, which was warmly appreciated.
A lively adda session—a typical Bengali way of chatting about food, sport, literature, films, and culture—added even more authenticity to the event. The skit especially captured this spirit, building a bridge between Kolkata traditions and life in Melbourne.
The local community took notice. Dandenong Councillor, Cr Alice Phuong Le, who attended the evening’s program, said she was delighted to be part of such a “colourful, cultural, and meaningful celebration.”
Sunday marked Visarjan, the final day of the puja, where prayers were performed to bid farewell to the Goddess. In India, the idol is immersed in water, but in Melbourne the ritual was adapted with equal devotion, keeping the essence of the farewell intact.
This was followed by Sindoor Khela, a joyful ritual where married women, dressed in beautiful white and red saris, applied vermilion powder to the Goddess and then to each other. It was a vibrant celebration of womanhood and friendship.
Finally, as drums beat loudly, the Dhunuchi Naach began. Dancers of all ages moved gracefully, holding smoking clay pots. This powerful dance, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, filled the room with energy and joy.
The festival also welcomed important guests, including the Consul General of India in Melbourne, Sushil Kumar, and resident monk Swami Sunishthananda from the Vedanta Centre, Melbourne.
For the more than 1,800 people who attended, it was a weekend where their community’s spirit shone brightly—a touch of Bengal in the heart of Melbourne.
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