The Durga Puja celebration at Apex Athena took place over four days, from October 9th to October 12th, 2024. The event featured grand celebrations that included cultural performances by residents and professional artists, as well as devotional singing during Mata ki Chowki. This was followed by a Dandiya Night organized by professionals. Numerous stalls were set up, offering everything from food to accessories, which saw active participation from residents. The Cultural Committee of Apex Athena truly excelled in organizing this year’s Durga Puja. An elaborately decorated pandal was erected at the central park with a grand clay statue of Maa Durga on the afternoon of 9th October. The idol was brought in with a lot of enthusiasm and cheer and was placed at the pandal with matra chanting and bhajan. The residents offered their prayers and celebrated the arrival of the idol! To commence the festivity, the evening was accessorised by a Mata Ki Chowki, uplifting everyone’s spirit of devotion. The pandal was beautifully decorated every day with different flowers, and the residents would offer prayers every morning and evening. On October 10th, we celebrated a joyful cultural night filled with vibrant dance, music, and song! Residents, along with enthusiastic children, brought the evening to life with their captivating performances. With over 100 participants taking the stage, each performer was honoured with a special memento and a delicious chocolate as a heartfelt thank-you for their amazing contributions. On October 11th, the society ground was transformed into a magical Dandia night and a gala dinner, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and vibrant fabrics. Residents arrived in their stunning traditional attire, eager to showcase their dancing talents! The highlight of the evening was the professional Kalbeliya dance troop, who dazzled us with their lively performances in beautiful costumes. Everyone joined in the joyous celebration, dancing in circles to the rhythmic beats of drums and enchanting songs. It was an unforgettable night filled with laughter, community, and cultural pride! The festivities concluded on October 12th with the immersion of Maa Durga’s idol, accompanied by a traditional Sindoor Khela. Everyone bid farewell to the Goddess while praying for her return next year. The evening featured a fancy dress competition for children based on the Ramayana, a quiz centred around the Ramayana, and the much-loved Ravana Dehan. There were several food stalls and a horse riding activity featuring two beautifully decorated horses in the society premises. During this event, an effigy of Ravana, the King of Lanka, was burned after a brief narration of the Ramayana, emphasizing the theme that good always triumphs over evil. The Athena Cultural Committee expertly orchestrated a well-structured 4-day event, showcasing their meticulous planning and robust behind-the-scenes management. Each detail was carefully attended to, contributing to an engaging and memorable experience for all participants. The seamless execution of the program not only delighted attendees but also ensured the event’s overall success, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
