Durga Puja is not just a festival—it’s the heartbeat of Bengal. Every autumn, millions in Kolkata gather in dazzling pandals, soaking in colours, chants, and culture, so grand that UNESCO declared Kolkata’s Durga Puja an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. But what happens when Bengalis move abroad? They pack the beat of dhaak and the fragrance of bhog to keep their culture alive and rooted. You’ll be surprised to know that these six Asian countries also celebrate Durga Puja as vibrantly as West Bengal. And if you want to explore or experience Durga Puja in a different way next time, you should visit this.
Singapore: Bengali Association of Singapore (BAS)
Since 1956, the Bengali Association of Singapore (BAS) has been a cultural anchor for the Bengali diaspora. BAS organises durga puja in singapore with grandeur, blending traditional rituals like Sandhi Puja with cultural events, music, and dance. This year, BAS presented event themed “One stage with many stories” showcased West Bengal’s unique crafts, , featuring Darjeeling tea, Malda mangoes, Bankura terracotta, and Pashchim Bardhaman Dokra handicrafts, delighting thousands of attendees. Events like the “Tarpan” art exhibition for Mahalaya further enrich the experience, connecting modern interpretations of Durga with traditional rituals. BAS demonstrates how durga puja overseas can be both culturally authentic and community-driven.
Malaysia: Malaysian Bengalee Association (MBA)
The Malaysian Bengalee Association (MBA) has nurtured durga puja overseas in Kuala Lumpur and Penang for decades. Originating in the early 20th century, the community’s gatherings began as informal get-togethers and evolved into grand sarbojanin pujas at temples like Geeta Ashram and the Bangunan Peladang. The celebrations include bhog, traditional dances, and cultural programmes, uniting Bengalis from across the peninsula. Port Dickson’s seaside property, funded by early immigrant contributions, serves as a symbolic hub for the festival, reflecting the community’s resilience and dedication. For those keen on experiencing durga puja in abroad, Malaysia provides a vibrant blend of heritage and tropical charm.
Thailand: Bharati, Bangkok
Bharati, the Bengali Association of Thailand, celebrates durga puja in bangkok with Kolkata-style pandals, Sandhi puja, dhakis, and cultural nights. Established in 1986, Bharati has grown from casual “adda” sessions into a full-fledged community centre hosting music, dance, and fashion shows. This year, the Agomoni programme welcomed Maa Durga with devotional songs and rituals adapted to local regulations. Bharati offers a home away from home for Bengali expatriates, showing how durga puja overseas can preserve language, food, and traditions even thousands of miles from India.
Myanmar: Durga Bari, Yangon
In Yangon, the historic Sri Sri Durga Bari temple, built around 130 years ago by Bengali migrants, hosts durga puja in myanmar. The festival centres on traditional rituals, bhog offerings, and cultural programmes, all held within the temple rather than temporary pandals. Despite historical challenges and political changes, the Bengali community continues to celebrate Durga Puja, maintaining spiritual and cultural identity. Yangon’s Durga Puja underscores the resilience of durga puja overseas and its role in preserving heritage amid adversity.
Indonesia: Jakarta Bengali Association (JABA)
The Jakarta Bengali Association (JABA) coordinates durga puja overseas in Jakarta and Medan. Community pujas include traditional music, dance, and feasts, often supported by the Indian Embassy. JABA also hosts Anandamela, combining cultural performances with handicraft and food stalls. The association fosters Bengali identity while engaging with Indonesia’s multicultural landscape. Experiencing durga puja in abroad through JABA gives visitors a blend of cultural celebration and community warmth unique to Southeast Asia.
Nepal: Dashain
In Nepal, durga puja in nepal is celebrated as Dashain, a 15-day festival honouring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, where a kalash (holy pot) is placed and barley seeds are sown to grow jamara. On Phulpati (Day 7), navapatrika—bundles of nine sacred plants—are brought home, symbolising the goddess’s blessings. Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami involve rituals for tools, weapons, and vehicles, recognising Durga’s protective power. Vijayadashami is the highlight, when elders apply tika and jamara to younger family members, offering prosperity and success. Some regions also worship young girls as Kumari, a living manifestation of the goddess, blending devotion with family reunions and gift exchanges, giving Dashain a unique cultural depth.
Bangladesh
Durga Puja in bangladesh is the most important festival for Bengali Hindus, with elaborate mandaps housing beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. Celebrations span five days, featuring cultural programmes, traditional food, and community gatherings that transcend religion. The festival culminates on Bijoya Dashami, a national holiday, with large processions and immersion of the idols. Historically, durga puja in bangladesh preserves a rich heritage, with the oldest known practices linked to temples like the Mrinmoyee Temple Durga Puja in Bishnupur, which entered its 1,027th year in 2023, highlighting the continuity of Bengali traditions across borders. Despite security challenges, the festival continues to be a vibrant symbol of communal unity and cultural pride.
