Lotus Boulevard Sanskritik Samity (LBSS) bestowed us with an enduring and awe-inspiring experience that will be etched in our hearts forever as it celebrated its eighth consecutive Durgotsav (Durga Puja 2024) from 9-13 October at the Banquet Hall.
LBSS was incubated in 2017 by a team of Bengali enthusiasts. It connected the Bongs to their socio-cultural roots, huddled in Sector 100. Its objective was to uphold the tapestry of Bengal traditions. It bloomed from Jhalmuri-Sandesh parties to organizing timeless grand puja ceremonies, widely appraised by the media.
This year too, LBSS has worked as a team to make it memorable for residents and neighbours. Durga Puja means more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of life, of our culture, our popular customs, and traditions.
LBSS started the event with a unique style. It embarked on this occasion with the specially abled children of the SETU Foundation, who believe that no disability can steal the human spirit of ability, perseverance and courage.
It was a sight to see smiles on their faces wh-ile welcoming Goddess Durga by lighting of diyas.
The five days of Durga Puja were packed with events by our inhouse talents. It started with ‘Anandamela’ where LBSS members showcased their talents by preparing and selling homemade dishes at nominal prices.
The menu featured dishes like spicy chaats to authentic sweets of Bengal.
Events like drawing, fancy dress & quiz received enormous response and participation. ‘Bong Dhong’, a Fashion Show, enthralled the audiences with the ‘Weaves of India’ theme depicting enthusiasm. Performances ‘Rhythmic Roots’, ‘Gono Sangeet’ and ‘Rhythms of Bollywood’ amazed the audience.
A dance drama on the Ramayana left the audience spellbound. All were surprised to see children’s talent on the stage in the drama ‘Lokkhoner Shakti Shel’, ‘Dustu Bagh’ and dance performance ‘Namo Namo Shankara’.
The Dhunuchi Dance Competition was enjoyable. Members proved their talents in all events like Bengali Drama- ‘Ojana Noy’, and a Romantic Comedy ‘Jaani Dekha Hobe’. The icing was the dance performances ‘Lazy but Crazy’ by LBSS Tweens and ‘Colours of India’ by LBSS men.
LBSS has celebrated this event responsibly and in an eco-friendly manner. It was a ‘Plastic-Free’ event. Paper plates were used for Bhog distribution & biodegradable materials for puja rituals. The idol was made of clay and organic colours with no chemical use.
To save Yamuna, the idol was immersed in an artificial pond in an eco-friendly manner. This made Durgotsav 2024 feature in both print and digital media like ABP news, Zee 24 Ghanta (Live Telecast), Ananda bazar Patrika etc.
The celebration ended with a ‘Sindoor Khela’ where all the ladies dressed in traditional white sarees with red borders bid farewell to the goddess by ‘Boron’ and put Sindoor to each other on Bijaya Dashami.
Members bid farewell to the goddess with folded hands and the prayer ‘Asche Bochor Abar Eso Maa’- Mother, come again next year.
