Initially, began to address the absence of Durga Puja celebrations; today, Uttaran Bangiya Samiti has become a beacon of Bengali cultural resurgence in Hyderabad. This week, for our weekly segment of Community Wise, The Pioneer connects with the joint secretary of the Samiti, discussing much in detail about the same.
Subodhini Purohit
The Uttaran Bangiya Samiti has been instrumental in nurturing the rich imprint of Bengali culture in Hyderabad. Established in February 2018, the organisation emerged from the collective desire of Bengalis living in the city to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage, similar to the celebrations in Kolkata.
Initially conceived to address the absence of Durga Puja celebrations near Manikonda in 2017, the Uttaran Bangiya Samiti swiftly became a beacon of Bengali cultural resurgence in the region. Led by a group of passionate friends, the organisation’s primary objective was to organise Durga Puja, the cornerstone of Bengali festivals known for fostering community bonding. However, their vision extended beyond Durga Puja to embrace celebrations of Pohela Baisakh (Bengali New Year), Saraswati Puja, and various other cultural events, all aimed at fostering a sense of unity among Bengalis here.
Saikat Karmakar, the joint secretary, aptly describes the organisation as ‘a platform for collective support.’ Beyond cultural festivities, he shares, “The samiti actively engages in philanthropic endeavours such as providing assistance during medical emergencies and organising blood donation drives, thus strengthening community bonds and extending a helping hand to those in need. Additionally, it assists individuals in finding suitable accommodation, reputable schools, and desirable living spaces in Hyderabad, further enhancing the sense of belonging within the Bengali community.”
The organisation’s journey has been marked by significant growth and inclusivity. From its humble beginnings with 15 families, it has now burgeoned to include 150 families, with non-Bengali members also joining in to celebrate Bengali culture. The reach of their events has expanded beyond familial confines to encompass the broader Hyderabad community, fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
The annual calendar of events reflects the organisation’s commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. From the celebration of Pohela Baisakh in April to the grandeur of Durga Puja in October, attended by over 50,000 people over the five days of celebrations, each event is meticulously organised to uphold Bengali traditions while welcoming all. Samiti’s annual picnic in December serves as a joyous occasion for families to bond over games and activities, further strengthening the fabric of the community.
Central to their mission is the engagement of the younger generation in Bengali culture. Through events like Bengali dance performances and discussions on eminent personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Subhas Chandra Bose, the samiti endeavours to instill a sense of pride and appreciation for their cultural heritage among the youth. He says, “Efforts are made to encourage reading Bengali literature, learning traditional dances, and participating in cultural dramas, ensuring the continuity of Bengali traditions for generations to come.”
In this cultural gathering, they actively champion the presence and contributions of Bengali artists and performers. Given the beautiful community of Bengali artists in Hyderabad, the platform boasts a rich array of talent. These artists not only excel at musical instruments but also engage in various other forms of creative work. He says, “What sets us apart is our commitment to nurturing and promoting local Bengali talent residing right here in Hyderabad. We take pride in the fact that we’ve never felt the need to call artists from Kolkata for our events, as our city is brimming with remarkable Bengali artists who enrich our cultural landscape. Consequently, we prioritise collaborating with and showcasing the immense talent pool of Bengali artists within Hyderabad, celebrating their artistry and contributions to our cultural tapestry.”
Hyderabad has always welcomed people by embracing their diverse culture and language, and that’s how the samiti too found their home here. Despite the evident language and cultural distinctions between Telugu and Bengali traditions, Karmakar shares, “We are fortunate to receive tremendous backing from the local community here in Hyderabad. While they may not always directly engage in every event, the unwavering support from local councillors and members of parliament ensures that our gatherings are nothing short of grandiose.”
He further shares that their support extends beyond mere words, as locals generously contribute both financially and by actively participating in events such as Durga Puja celebrations. During occasions like Poila Baisakh, although primarily a Bengali affair, they also witness the heartwarming sight of Telugu individuals joining in the festivities, demonstrating a beautiful display of cross-cultural solidarity.
“This inclusivity is further echoed by the steadfast support of the local administration, whose involvement is instrumental in orchestrating seamless events. Thanks to this collaborative spirit, we have never encountered significant hurdles in organising our cultural festivities.”
Anyone interested, can be a part of this
samiti by reaching out to them, offering opportunities to join their events for a nominal fee. Additionally, they also welcome volunteers who wish to contribute.
