After few years of lowly celebrations, Alok Vihar-1 was once again alit with joyous festivities. The ten days journey of the goddess Maa Durga was celebrated with a lot of pomp and show accompanied by various competitions and performances. The first few days of the festival began with a simple puja of goddess Durga followed by nights of garba dancing.
The main events and performances started from the sixth day, i.e. Shashti. On this day, the residents of Alok Vihar participated in a grand cooking competition, Anandi Mela. Delicacies varying from matar-kachori, sweets from Bengal and pasta were put up not only by adults but also kids of the society. The same night, we were graced with the show, ‘Vishnu Maya’, a theatrical performance involving Bharatnatyam dance and shloka chanting. The event was collaboration between the kids and the ladies of the society, directed by Dr Chandra Dasgupta, a talented resident of Alok Vihar.
On the second day, the Saptami of the Navratri, the ladies of Alok Vihar put up a dance performance showcasing their talent to the whole society. The night ended in harmony with the singing competition. The next day, on the auspicious day of Ashtami, the day started with Toran-making competition for the kids followed by lunch for the society. The evening started on a strong note with the enthusiastic dance performances, most of which were choreographed by Saanvi Sharma. Towards the end of it, the whole society made their way to the dance performance ending the night on a high note.
Navami was yet another eventful day where little kids participated in Fancy Dress competition followed by Shank Naath competition. The Shank Naath competition was divided into two categories, kids and adults and saw an exciting and wholehearted participation.
On the last day of the Durga Puja, Goddess Durga Maa was immersed with worship and great cheers. The evening of Dashmi, following the rituals and traditions, Raavan Dahan took place followed by prize distribution. A huge shoutout was given to the organizing committee who put up such huge arrays of events in mere days and to Dr. Surbhi Gupta for effortlessly taking up and becoming the backbone of the entire cultural activities.
