Image Source : Bangiya Parishad Toronto
In October 2024, Bangiya Parishad Toronto successfully hosted one of Toronto's grandest Durga Puja celebrations, leaving a lasting impression on the Bengali community and beyond. With roots stretching back to 1971, Bangiya Parishad has become a vital hub for promoting Bengali culture, tradition, and religious harmony in Canada. This year, the organization outdid itself, offering rituals and a wide range of cultural programs that made the event vibrant and inclusive.
Held at the Tagore Centre, 140 Millwick Drive, Toronto, the Durgotsav welcomed thousands of devotees and cultural enthusiasts over three days from October 18th to 20th. This celebration blended faith and festivities, highlighting Durga Puja, which is deeply embedded in the Bengali spirit, regardless of geographical boundaries.
With nearly 3,000 footfalls, the three-day event not only celebrated Bengali culture in Canada but also underscored the strength and vibrancy of Toronto’s Bengali community.
Event Highlights: A Rich Blend of Faith, Culture, and Community
The first day of the celebration, Shashti and Saptami, took place on October 18th, 2024.
The evening began with the traditional Puja at 6:30 pm, followed by a captivating cultural program at 8:30 pm that enchanted the audience with performances showcasing Bengali arts and heritage.
On Ashtami, October 19th, 2024, the day began with the much-awaited Puja and Pushpanjali from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
Later in the day, the sacred Sandhi Puja at 2:30 pm invoked blessings, followed by a mesmerizing Evening Arati at 6:30 pm. The festivities didn’t end there, as another round of vibrant cultural programs unfolded at 8:30 pm, uniting different generations in celebration.
The grand Baran Sindurdaan ceremony at 2 pm and the emotional Samapan and Bisarjan at 3 pm marked the culmination of the religious observances.
Throughout the three days, a delicious Bhog was served to all devotees, with distribution times spanning from 1 pm to 9 pm, making sure that no one left without tasting the divine offerings.
President’s Note: A Touching Message from Kalyani Saha
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Kalyani Saha, the President of Bangiya Parishad, expressed heartfelt belief, saying:
Kalyani Saha, President
“There’s nothing greater than Durga Puja for Bengalis—it’s the heartbeat of our community, bringing generations together.
Bangiya Parishad, formerly known as PBCA, is one of the oldest Durga Puja celebrations in Toronto and a cherished tradition for many. Our children have grown up eagerly anticipating this festival each year.
As the new board, we’ve strived to make the club a lively hub where every generation feels connected, ensuring our culture and spirit thrive.”
The Driving Force Behind BPT: Member Details
Bangiya Parishad Toronto’s success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of its core members. Each member played a pivotal role in making the 2024 Durgotsav an event to remember.
Here’s a glimpse into the individuals who tirelessly worked to bring the community together:
- Kalyani Saha - As the President, Kalyani’s leadership is what anchored the event. Her ability to bring together the community through cultural and religious harmony has made her a revered figure.
- Tripti Ranjan Chakrabarty – Serving as the Vice President, Tripti Ranjan provided crucial support in all areas of event planning, from rituals to cultural activities, ensuring a seamless flow.
Tripti Ranjan Chakrabarty, Vice President
- Suchandra Neogy – The Secretary, Suchandra’s role was pivotal in organizing the day-to-day operations of the event, coordinating volunteers, and managing logistics to keep everything running smoothly.
Suchandra Neogy, Secretary
- Surajit Biswas – As the Assistant Secretary, Surajit worked closely with Suchandra, focusing on both the execution of programs and event management. His organizational skills were vital to the smooth functioning of the festivities.
Surajit Biswas, Asst. Secretary
- Pradipta Datta – The Treasurer, Pradipta, managed the finances efficiently, making sure the budget was well utilized to provide the best possible experience for the attendees without compromising on quality.
Pradipta Datta, Treasurer
- Subrata Ghosh – A Director, Subrata contributed in multiple ways, from event setup to managing the operations on the ground, ensuring that everything was in place.
Subrata Ghosh, Director
- Shantanu Banerjee – Another key Director, Shantanu was instrumental in handling the logistical challenges of the event, ensuring a smooth experience for both the performers and the audience.
Shantanu Banerjee, Director
- Paromita Roy – As a Director, Paromita helped with community outreach and ensured that every aspect of the cultural programs reflected the diversity and richness of Bengali culture.
Paromita Roy, Director
- Apurba Mukherjee – Apurba, also a Director, played a critical role in overseeing the finer details of the event, particularly ensuring that the spiritual aspects of the Puja were conducted with authenticity and reverence.
Apurba Mukherjee, Director
Appreciating the Generosity of Respected Sponsors
Bangiya Parishad Toronto’s 2024 Durgotsav was made possible through the generous support of our esteemed sponsors, who played a vital role in ensuring the success of the event. We extend our deepest gratitude to each of them for their contributions.
ICICI Bank took the lead as our primary sponsor, playing a significant role in supporting the logistics and outreach of the event. Their support underscored their commitment to community building and fostering cultural connections.
Following ICICI Bank, we express our heartfelt thanks to:
- TD Global Migration Canada Corporation, led by Tanushri Dasgupta, for their support and dedication to the cause.
- Flavours of Kolkata, whose slogan is "say wow in every bite" reminds us of the authentic taste of Kolkata they bring to Toronto.
- Mustard Garden, showcases the exotic flavours of India and brings a rich culinary experience to the community.
- Kal Polymers, a leading source of plastic raw materials, generously supported the event.
- Jomi Daari, which embodied the essence of Bengali aristocracy through its sponsorship.
- Chowk Bazar, known for its catchy tagline "second to naan," further enhanced the cultural experience of the event.
- Royal LePage, represented by Indranil Ghosh, offered their continual support for this community event.
- Suman.ca, led by Suman Mukherjee, serving the community with dedication since 2009.
- Phoenix Web provides a one-stop shop for all printing needs.
- Café Aahana, whose presence added warmth to the gathering with their delightful offerings.
- Mike Chakraborty, Realtor, extended his support and contributed to the smooth running of the event.
- Ranjit Shoker, the president of SAR Freight, who played a pivotal role in sponsorship.
- Om’s Ethnic Collections showcased ethnic artistry with their beautiful collections.
- Mansha Plan, whose contribution helped sustain the event’s spirit.
- Wealth Building Group and Harbourfront Wealth Management, are both pivotal in providing the necessary financial support.
- Career 1, guiding the community with "The Right Choice" in career development.
- Surajit and Sumita Biswas, who generously supported the event.
- Puja Bazar, especially the Rajashree Collection, enhanced the cultural ambiance with its presence.
- DB by Amrita, another noteworthy name in our list of esteemed sponsors.
- Barrister Surya Chakraborty of Surya Law, whose legal expertise and support were much appreciated.
- VIC Vera is known for their exquisite fashion jewelry and clothing.
- Miller Bernstein, Chartered Professional Accountants, who provided financial insight and support.
- Elson Dental Office ensures a healthy and bright community through its services.
Lastly, Urbana News and We Love Digital Marketing Inc. played a bottom-line role as the event's Media Partner and Digital Partner.
All digital media promotions were expertly managed by We Love Digital Marketing Inc., ensuring the Durgotsav celebration reached a wider audience and garnered well-deserved attention.
The deepest gratitude to all these sponsors for their unwavering support and commitment to making the 2024 Durgotsav a grand success.
BPT’s 50-year legacy continues to thrive, reinforcing its role as a cultural anchor and connecting Bengalis in Canada with their heritage and one another.
