A Festival Bridging Cultures and Continents
Held in Sanford, Florida, the event was organised by BSF — a cultural organisation founded in 1982 to promote Bengali language, art, and traditions. Since 1996, the group has hosted Kali Puja annually, a tradition that began when long-time members Pronob and Sheila Bhattacharya brought an idol of Goddess Kali to their home in Lakeland.
This year’s highlight was a handcrafted idol from Kumartuli, Kolkata, along with a new Durga idol for the society’s annual Durga Puja. Though the festival was celebrated two days before the official new moon day, the rituals — from ‘aarati’ to ‘bhog’ — remained unchanged in their devotion and precision.
Bihar Connection: From Patna to Florida
Several members from Patna, Gaya, and Ranchi played leading roles in this year’s celebrations. Cultural head Goldy Bhowmik from Patna explained that the event was held on a Saturday evening to accommodate community schedules in the US, coinciding closely with the Kali Puja date in India.
The puja was performed by priest Partha Mukhopadhyay and his wife Amrita — both originally from Patna and now research scientists in Florida after completing their PhDs from IIT Kharagpur. Their prayers and rituals lent authenticity and warmth to the overseas celebration.
Music, Dance, and a Taste of Bengal
The evening was filled with cultural performances, including a soulful set by the local band ‘Tawrongo’, followed by a lively community DJ night. Although fireworks were not allowed due to local restrictions, the atmosphere remained festive and vibrant.
Guests were treated to a lavish Bengali dinner featuring traditional dishes such as echor kosha (raw jackfruit curry), mutton curry, paturi (steamed fish), and aam doi (mango curd). The culinary spread, curated by Subho Pal and Amit Sinha, became an emotional bridge connecting Florida’s Bengali community with the kitchens of Kolkata and Patna.
Leadership and Community Spirit
The 2025–26 executive committee of BSF, comprising 12 members, includes Pially Pal from Gaya (vice-president), Bhowmik from Patna, and Pradeep Nandi from Ranchi. President Avantika Sen Sharma said, “For us, Kali Puja isn’t just a ritual — it’s the grand finale of our cultural calendar, bringing everyone together as one family.”
BSF’s commitment to preserving Bengali traditions while fostering inclusivity for members from Bihar and Jharkhand exemplifies the evolving face of the Indian diaspora — deeply rooted in culture yet global in identity.
Keeping Traditions Alive Abroad
The celebration echoed a broader sentiment among the Indian diaspora — that physical distance can never dilute cultural identity. For many attendees, it was not just about worship but about passing traditions to the next generation. Children participated in lighting lamps and offering flowers, making the event truly intergenerational.
As Indian festivals gain recognition abroad, such community efforts play a vital role in promoting cultural diplomacy and people-to-people bonds between India and the global community.
