NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, November 7, 2024: Atlanta’s Bengali community gathered in high spirits from October 10 to 12 for the 14th annual Durgapuja celebration hosted by Purbasha, a leading cultural organization. Drawing over 1,000 attendees from across the Southeast, including Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida, the festival highlighted the community’s dedication to cultural preservation and connection.
A stunning rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s Chitrangada captivated audiences as the centerpiece of the celebration. Directed and choreographed by Indian classical dancer Parama Roy Bardhan, the dance drama showcased Bardhan’s expertise in Bharatanatyam and Kathak, two of India’s prominent classical dance forms.
Parama, who also played the lead role, dedicated months to preparing the Purbasha cultural team for this performance, and her deep commitment to her art was evident. “My goal is to spread the beauty of classical dance and make it accessible to everyone,” she shared, emphasizing her belief in dance as a universal language that unites diverse communities.
Chitrangada, a dream project for Parama, explored themes of love, identity, and empowerment in a way new to Atlanta’s Bengali community, leaving audiences spellbound.
The festival offered more than performances. Food and clothing vendors provided a festive marketplace atmosphere, while children enjoyed various activities tailored to their interests. The popular Kolkata-based band Cactus added to the festivities with an energetic performance that infused the event with excitement and nostalgia. The weekend culminated in sindur khela, a traditional ritual symbolizing the conclusion of Durgapuja, on Sunday.
Purbasha President Arunava Roy expressed gratitude for the community’s support, acknowledging the shared effort that made the event possible. He underscored the importance of celebrating cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community through such gatherings.
