BAGA Durga Pujo 2024: Tradition Celebration with a Digital Heart
As the rhythmic dhak beats filled Mountain View High School in Lawrenceville this October, Atlanta once again came alive with devotion, color, and community spirit. The Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta (BAGA) celebrated its 46th Durga Pujo from October 3–5 — a dazzling blend of faith, creativity, and technology that drew more than 1,000 attendees each day.
[Left] BAGA celebrated its 46th Durga Pujo with devotion, color, and community spirit.
What began in 1979 as a small home pujo has grown into one of North America’s most cherished Bengali festivals. Under the leadership of President Tanushree Guha and the dedicated Executive Committee, this year’s celebration achieved new heights of excellence and engagement.
The pandal, inspired by Bengal’s Dokra metalcasting craft and built from recyclable materials, shimmered like brass — an emblem of sustainability and heritage. From Shoshti to Dashami, every ritual — including Shondhi Pujo and Shondha Aroti — was conducted with reverence, while nostalgic pujo gaan from the 1980s–2000s filled the venue with warmth and memory.
Swami Ishatmananda Ji, President of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago, graced the occasion as Guest of Honor, inspiring all with his message of faith and service. Evenings sparkled with performances by local and international artists, alongside soulful in-house song, dance, and drama productions.
Guests savored sumptuous vegetarian and nonvegetarian feasts — from khichuri and labra to maach, mangsho, and mishti. The much-loved Mother-and- Child Dhunuchi Naach symbolized generational continuity.
By smartly leveraging AI-driven digital storytelling, BAGA expanded its reach far beyond Georgia — proving that when heritage meets innovation, Ma Durga always finds her home.
—Tanushree Guha
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