The rhythmic beats of dhaak drums, colourful traditional attire, elaborate religious rituals and the aroma of Kolkata street food transformed an open ground near Farrer Park MRT into a bustling mini-Kolkata during the Bengali Association Singapore’s (BAS) Durga Puja celebrations.
Held from Oct 16 to 21, the festivities marked BAS’s 70th anniversary, celebrating seven decades of preserving Bengali culture and bringing the community together in Singapore.
The celebrations, held between Owen Road and Burmah Road, attracted several thousand visitors, including BAS members, non-members and people from other communities.
Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash attended the inauguration as guest of honour, while a traditional Chinese Lion Dance added a distinctly Singaporean touch.
BAS president Debananda Ghosh said the performance symbolised multicultural harmony.
“Having a traditional Chinese Lion Dance alongside our Bengali rituals and cultural programmes beautifully represented the country we call home,” he said. “The idea was to create a celebration where tradition meets integration.”
Founded in 1956 by Bengali professionals, BAS initially provided a support network for newcomers while helping families maintain their cultural identity.
“Over seven decades, BAS has grown into a cultural home for generations of Bengalis,” Mr Ghosh said.
This year’s religious observances included Pushpanjali, Sandhya Arati, Kumari Pujo, Sandhi Pujo, Chandipath, Dhunuchi Naach and Debi Boron.
A packed cultural programme featured the Tak-Jhal-Mishti couples’ competition, Garba & Reel-e-Pujo, Chitrahaar, Satrangi, Music Express featuring Ria Dev and the Youth Wing’s Jhumka Gira Re.
Ambar Ghosh’s Electric DesiLand presented Generations in Rock, adding contemporary musical energy.
Marwari Mitra Mandal president Prakash Hetamsaria praised the celebrations for bringing different communities together.
“I truly enjoyed being part of the BAS Durga Puja celebration. The exciting performances and enthusiastic participation made it a memorable experience,” he said.
“What I appreciated most was the wonderful engagement among community partners and the warm hospitality extended by BAS, truly reflecting the spirit of community and togetherness.”
Food was another major attraction, with community bhog bringing families together and vendors serving approximately 3,000 Kolkata-style meals over six days.
“Food and shared dining are an inseparable part of the Durga Puja experience,” Mr Ghosh said.
Singapore Malayalee Association vice-president Priyadarsan Venugopalan said: “It was a lovely family evening, with different communities coming together to celebrate Durga Puja. The cultural performances were wonderful, the food was so delicious we packed some home, and BAS made everyone feel truly welcome.”
The association also unveiled its new mobile application, offering digital membership cards, electronic payments, event information and streamlined entry.
Mr Ghosh said the enthusiastic turnout was especially meaningful during the anniversary celebrations.
He credited volunteers, community partners and successive committees for sustaining BAS through seven decades.
“Our commitment remains to preserve these traditions, welcome new generations and share the spirit of Puja with the wider community,” he said.
