Drum festival events aimed to strengthen Irish-Bengali links
Athlone witnessed a unique cultural exchange recently as Bandhan, a local Bengali community, celebrated Durga Puja at Drum Community Centre. This event not only introduced the people of Athlone to one of Bengal’s most beloved festivals but also aimed to foster inclusivity and strengthen the Irish-Bengali connection through art and tradition.
Durga Puja is the most significant annual festival in West Bengal, a state in eastern India known for its vibrant city of Calcutta (Kolkata). The festival honours Goddess Durga, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
In West Bengal, India Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival—it celebrates art, culture, and community. For five days, the streets of Kolkata and other cities come alive with artistic displays, cultural performances, and communal gatherings.
While Durga Puja has its roots in Bengal, Bandhan brought this cherished tradition to Athlone, adapting it to the local context while preserving its cultural essence. This is the second year that Bandhan organised Durga Puja, and it has already become a vibrant event for the Bengali community and their Irish neighbours.
Although Durga Puja is traditionally a Hindu festival, Bandhan ensured that it was a celebration for everyone, regardless of background or religion. This year, the festival's theme focused on creating a strong Irish-Bengali connection by blending elements of Irish and Bengali art and culture.
One of the festival’s highlights was a unique art exhibition that explored the connection between Irish and Bengali culture.
Bandhan also emphasised making the festival more inclusive for children. An unique Kumari Puja was organised, where children up to the age of 12, regardless of gender or religious background, can participate. This particular tradition is inspired by the practices of the Ramakrishna Mission in India and focuses on the innocence and purity of children, reflecting the universality of the festival’s message.
Durga Puja isn’t just about music or rituals—it’s an art and cultural festival that extends beyond religion. Bandhan also aimed to raise awareness about the subtleties of Bengali culture—its artistic heritage, literary history, and communal harmony.
This year, a Bangladeshi band named ‘Slogaan’ performed live, bringing a musical fusion that reflected the spirit of cultural inclusivity. Additionally, the festival featured traditional Bengali dances, artistic performances, and art exhibitions, all designed to create a platform where both Irish and Bengali cultures can interact and learn from one another.
The Bandhan group generously donated €460 to support Gavin Cooper's liver transplant fundraiser, showcasing their strong commitment to social causes.
Bandhan is committed to continuing this tradition in the coming years, making Durga Puja in Athlone a regular celebration of inclusivity, culture, and community.
It extended an open invitation to everyone to attend the celebrations in the years to come.