Oikotan Durga Pujo 2024
Pujo 2024
Introduction and Uniqueness of Oikotan Durga Pujo 2024
Oikotan Inc. recently organized their fourth edition of their biggest festival on the 12th and 13th of October 2024 at the Albany Creek Community Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. “Durga Pujo” the biggest turnout till date with more than 500 plates for food served in two days, guest performer, Ujaan Mukherjee who performed on both the days and the introduction of Kolkata street food.
What makes Oikotan Durga Pujo 2024 one-of-a-kind is the homely feeling and as most participants, members and patrons have been calling it since inception – “Nijer Barir Pujo”. When all other pujo organized by other associations give the “baroari” feeling, it’s the vibe and the feeling of organizing/taking part of your own pujo that makes this pujo unique and makes us stand out from the rest.
Byte of Executive Team
The executive team comprises of the husband-wife couple in Shaona Hazra(President) and Animesh Das(Secretary) and Uttorio Datta(Treasurer).
“For us, Oikotan Inc. is a child that is born out of love and passion for our Bengali culture and tradition and the urge to create a piece of home away from home, Kolkata. We have had our share of ups and lows, but it is our utmost love and passion that help us nurture our child in Oikotan Inc, turn four. Although we envisioned and created Oikotan Inc., it is the love and support of the wider community that truly defined where Oikotan Inc. stands and how far we’ve managed to come. We owe it to our biggest supporters, patrons, all the volunteers, the amazing team and all the individuals who gave their heart and soul into curving a niche for us. Oikotan Inc. now belongs to all of them and we sincerely hope and pray that Oikotan Durga Pujo 2024 will turn out to be a stepping stone into something great to follow for us We are overwhelmed by the way everyone came forward in different capacities from setting up the decoration, cutting fruits to getting up early in the morning to prepare bhog for pujo and to prepare for their performances with utmost sincerity and commitment. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from this incredible group of people and the wider community. On behalf of the entire executive team, THANK YOU, team Oikotan and the Oikotan Inc. family!!!”
Decoration and Symbolic Protest in solidarity with R G Kar and the doctors
Since inception, we have always focused on certain theme as far as the decoration is concerned. However, this year was an exception. Celebrations were a little muted and the theme portrayed and conveyed a rather symbolic protest amidst the festivities. This was our way of showing that we stand with Abhaya and the protesting doctors back home.
People of the Pujo:
People from different walks of life and professions like hospitality, IT, Consultancy etc. came together to bring their varied ranges of skills and creativity and contributed in various different capacities to make this Pujo a success. From joining the rehearsals months in advance to preparing and serving 100s of plates of Kolkata style street food, such community members have been involved in every little process to make it a grand success. Samir Das who is also a chef at a very popular restaurant, was the main driver behind introducing Kolkata Street Food at our Pujo. While ,Saikiran and Jayati Basu did the heavy lifting in serving all of the amazing food, Saswati Basu Chatterjee was the main anchor behind all of the rituals on stage ensuring everything was done flawlessly and with utmost devotion.
Our priest is a Processing Manager at a construction services company dedicates his full devotion over the two days trying to observe and follow a shortened version of the Pujo while ensuring all rituals and traditions are followed to the best of the abilities.
Participants and important Dignitaries:
Oikotan Durga Pujo 2024 saw great representation from the wider Indian community in Usha and Umesh Chandra, founder of GOPIO(Global Organization of People of Indian Origin), representation from Multicultural Affairs of QLD government and from the City of Moreton Bay council.
Pujo Rituals, Food and Kolkata Street Food
At Oikotan, Day 2 is when we observe Shosthi and Saptami pujo. The highlight of these rituals is definitely “Kolanbou Snan” where the female members conduct a special ritual outside the community centre on the lawn While day 2 is when Ashtami, Anjali and Nabami puja are conducted followed by Dashami Puja and Boron. Highlight of day 2 was definitely bhog er kichuri which is cooked by our muslim brother and caterer from Bangladesh. It’s a trip down the memory lane as we are reminded of our home back in Kolkata and the familiar Ashtami r lunch. This is followed by Shandhi pujo where 108 pradip was lighted by our participants and members. Finally concluding the celebrations with bidding farewell to Maa and her children and shidur khela which is what the women and the female members of our community look forward to the most.
No puja is complete without the familiar and the nostalgic street food of Kolkata. While quintessential Bengali spread comprising of khichuri, beguni, chutney and mishti brought smile to the faces of the participants at lunch along with the star of the show, mutton for dinner, the main attraction this year were phuchka, momo and malai cha. A chef and also an important member of Oikotan, Samir Das cooked up a storm in the kitchen churning out hundreds of plates of momos, phuchka and about 200 cups of cha over the two days.
Cultural Program
It was packed two nights full of some amazing acts including group dance, skit and singing.
This year, we witnessed some mind-blowing singing, dancing, audio and short drama. From the flirtatious neighbours as portrayed by our founder members Saswati and Animesh to a tribute to the Bangla rock bands by another founder member, Uttorio. The main act was however a tribute to Abhaya and a show of symbolic protest through a dance drama featuring the president, Shaona and other debutants, Moly, Aanchol and Avantika. It was an act depicting crime against women and the need to protect and respect womanhood and promote women empowerment. This year, we brought back and hosted Ujaan Mukherjee who performed on both the days churning out the famous dance numbers. The participants enjoyed thoroughly while singing out loud and getting on stage to dance alongside.
Excerpts from Participants/Dignitaries:
Dignitaries:
Councillor Cath Tonks:
“I joined with Oikotan Inc. for one of the biggest festivals for Bengalis, Durga Puja. This festival is held over 10 days and celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph and a victory of good over evil.
Well done to all involved, thank you for sharing your culture and beliefs with music, colour and vibrancy, it’s always a pleasure to spend time with you all.”
Participants:
1. “We love Oikotan it’s like a Nijer barir pujo … I am blessed””
2. “What an amazing event and celebration. Until next year. Thank you team Oikotan Inc.”
3. “Cheers to our (Team Oikotan) harmony and spirit!”
