The Durga Puja festivities have begun and everyone is ready to immerse themselves in the auspicious festive spirit. The longest Hindu festival, Navratri, began on October 15 and will continue till October 23. Amid these nine days of Shardiya Navratri, five days are dedicated to Durga Puja festivities. Pandals are decorated at various places in India and Maa Durga is welcomed with open arms. In Gurugram, Sahasrabdi Durga Puja Committee welcomes Goddess Durga with huge pomp and show. This non-profit socio-cultural organisation promotes Indian culture in the most aesthetic way and this year is no different with Durga Puja festivities witnessing many different activities and influential people in attendance.
"Holding each other as in the String of Pearls we have come across two decades of celebration and our devotion towards each other and the bigger cause has been blessed by our beloved Ma to enable us to take our 'Sharodotsab' to the 24th year," Arnab Mazumder, General Secretary of SDPC, told Jagran English.
"Continuing our endeavours towards the society we have successfully walked the talk on - 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' through our cultural programs. 'Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikas' wherein we come together from different walks of life as a family," Mazumder added.
Durga Puja Festival Schedule
October 19
SDPC is celebrating its 24th Durga Puja festivities beginning with Maha Panchami on October 19. It includes dandiya night and Anandamela which is a Bengali Cuisine Food Festival. Mayor Madhur Azad will be the chief guest at this event.
Durga Puja Festivities in Gurugram
October 20
On Maha Shashti, SDPC has many artists and performers lined up to light up the festive spirit. With MLA Sudhir Single as the chief guest, the celebration will begin with 'Agamoni' Prabashi Bina Group, Pujor Gaan, Taal o Taranga (Tabla Play) and will end with Boul Gaan by Bibek Sarkar. It is going to be a night to remember.
October 21
Maha Saptami celebration will witness grandeur at its peak with councillor Ashwini Sharma gracing the event as the chief guest. Semi Classical dance performance by Mrs Lalita Kundu, Bengali Dance 'Rituranga' directed by Mrs Jui Sarkar and 'Nontu Babur Gita Path' by Chandrani and Anupam will make the festivities shine brighter. SDPC Gaanwala Band will perform on Bollywood songs as well.
October 22
The schedule for Maha Ashtami includes Kathak Dance by Meghna Mukhopadhyay, Kids Drama 'Daityer Bagan', Bollywood dance by Devansh and Divyank Palit, Jai Ganesh Dance programme directed by Rakesh and Bengali Drama 'Chitto Binimoy' by SDPC members.
October 23
On Maha Navami, devotees will be able to enjoy Dhunuchi Naach and a performance by playback singer Satish Gajmer from Kolkata.
Since SDPC also does humanitarian work, donating old books and stationery, free health checkups, blood donation camps, a day out for the residents of 'The Earth Saviour Foundation' and other activities will also be organised during these auspicious days of the Durga Puja festival.