The one Puja that stood out from the rest was that of Bongo Poribar in Oakville. Marking their fifth year of festivities, from arrangements to entertainment, the organisers left no stone unturned to provide maximum satisfaction and enjoyment to the cheerful Puja revellers. St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre was alit with festive fervour on October 12-13 and it was a weekend to remember for the guests.

The brain behind the Puja and Bongo Poribar president Amitava Chakraborty congratulated his team and committee members for their relentless efforts to make the Puja a great success in the GTA. “It is getting bigger every year and all credit goes to the Bongo Poribar team,” quipped Chakraborty. He also thanked all the sponsors, without whom it would not had been possible, he added.

This was the first Puja that hosted Apporva Srivastava, the Consul General of India to Canada. In her message, she said, "I appreciate the efforts by the Bango Poribar in bringing together Indians and Indo-Canadians in GTA for celebrating this important festival. It helps in building stronger bonds, a responsible society and a sense of team spirit."

Oakville Mayor Rob Burton extended his wishes, “As Canada is a culturally diverse country, this one-of-a-kind event blends art and culture together for all to enjoy. I am positive this year’s event will prove to be exceptionally entertaining.

Teenager Sumantra Das was excited to be a part of the Oakville Puja. “I came with my parents from Brampton and I really enjoyed the cultural show and the amazing food. It reminded me of festivities in Kolkata, my ancestral city.”

True to its name, Bongo Poribar took Canadian Bengalis to a trip down memory lane with pushpanjali, bhog and sindoor khela.

The special attraction for this year’s event was the performance by singers Madhuraa Bhattacharya and Dipayan Banerjee, who regaled the audience with a mix of soulful melodies and feet-tapping chartbusters.

Both Dipayan and Madhuraa, fresh from their successful launch of “Mera Desh” album, were excited to be a part of Durga Puja in Canada.

Madhura said, “I like performing here as it feels like home. I like touring north America as the crowd here is extremely appreciative of good music.”

Bongo Poribar member Sanchita Chakraborty said, “As usual, we were bombarded with obstacles, but all barriers were removed unbelievably.”

Durga Puja festivities spread cheer among the community across the Greater Toronto Area and people enjoyed in their traditional attire, imparting a vibrant hue to the pious occasion.

(Reporting by Sayantan Banerjee with Suman Das)