Four-day Bengali festival a 'resounding success' at Slough Cricket Club

A celebration encapsulating ‘the essence of Bengali culture and tradition’ found its home in Slough at the weekend.

Bengali community group, Adda Slough transformed the grounds of Slough Cricket Club for the vibrant Hindu festival of Durga Puja from October 10 to 13.

The religious event saw a colourful hub of festivities reminiscent of the celebrations in the Indian state of West Bengal, with more than 10,000 attendees across the four days.

The Bengal-style pandal was decked with artwork highlighting Bengal’s heritage and featured an idol of the Hindu Goddess Durga.

One of the event's major attractions was a lighting display sourced directly from Chandannagar – a town famous for its illumination during religious festivals.

Celebrations continued with events like an art competition, Antakshari and a Bollywood quiz, with more than 100 participants across different age categories.

Food stalls were managed by local vendors and Bengali food enthusiasts who served Bengali delicacies such as shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa), luchi and chholar dal, kathi rolls, and an assortment of sweets like sandesh, rasgulla, and misti doi.

One of the organisers Ayetri Bhada said the event aimed to ‘pass on Bengal’s rich cultural heritage to younger generations’ and ensure ‘the spirit of Durga Puja was kept alive, even miles away from Bengal’.

The community-driven initiative created a space for youngsters and families to connect with their roots, understand the festival's significance, and partake in cultural and generational practices.

Ayetri added: “The Durga Puja celebration by Adda Slough was a resounding success, blending devotion, artistry, entertainment, and culinary delights into a single, cohesive experience.

“With their commitment to showcasing Bengal’s rich traditions, Adda Slough has succeeded in creating a festival that resonates deeply with the community while opening the beauty of Bengal’s culture to a wider audience.

“As the lights dimmed on this year's festivities, the legacy of Durga Puja  continues to grow, ensuring that future generations will remain connected to their roots, no matter where they are in the world.”