Durga Puja Celebrated with Enthusiasm in Ucita

The Bengali community in Ucita, Kansas, celebrated Durga Puja with great enthusiasm over a two-day festival on October 4 and 5 at the Endover Sports Club. Devotees from various cities across Kansas attended the event, maintaining the tradition of vibrant celebrations.

The festivities began on Saturday morning with religious chants led by priest Shubhechha Chakraborty, who emphasized the significance of devotion, prayer, and the sacred sound “Om.” The celebrations included Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Nabami pujas, featuring flower offerings, aarti rituals, and distribution of Mahaprasad to devotees.

Community leaders, including Rezoul Karim and Mahpera Karim of the Ucita Bangladesh Association, extended greetings to participants. Traditional Bengali cuisine such as Khashir Rezala, fried Hilsa, and assorted sweets was served during the festival.

Cultural performances by young artists and dancers added vibrancy to the occasion. Organizer Engineer Rupen Dev noted, “The pleasant weather encouraged greater participation this year.” The festival concluded on Sunday with Vijaya Dashami, marking the farewell of Goddess Durga.

The event reinforced cultural bonds among the Bengali diaspora and celebrated their heritage with devotion and joy.