In pictures: Folk arts in focus at Sweden’s Helsingborg Durga Puja
The puja is organised by a non-profit cultural and philanthropic Bengali association, Sambandh, comprising 250-odd families in south Sweden
By
Wriddhaayan Bhattacharyya |
Published 26.10.23, 03:30 PM
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Sambandh, a Bengali association based at Helsingborg (Sweden), celebrated its fourth Durga Puja this year. The non-profit organisation was started in 2019 by a few ‘probashi’ Bengali families in the Scandinavian nation. A fibreglass Durga idol was sourced from Kolkata last year with a five-year plan in mind. As with many ‘probashi pujos’, there is no immersion; the idol is wrapped and stored for reuse
All photos courtesy Sambandh
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At least 500 people collaborated, contributed and connected to replicate the festivities in Sweden. The footfall was not just limited to Indians and Bengalis, but expats and locals also joined in to soak in the spirit of the festival. In 2020, around 40 families and 10 organisers started the Durgotsav. In 2023, the number has increased to 400 members within the community
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The theme of the puja was ‘Karukrit’, a celebration of art and creation. The artists within the Sambandh community came together to honour folk arts and artists, incorporating Aipan art of Uttarakhand, Madhubani from Bihar, Warli from Maharashtra, Gond from Madhya Pradesh and Kathakali and Theyyam from Kerala into the festive decor
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Gond painting is a renowned folk art from tribal communities of central India. The traditional artists believe that viewing a good painting brings good luck. There were no specialist artists hired to create the paintings for the Durgotsav, but six artists within the core group — all working professionals in Helsingborg with a passion for art — contributed to create the artworks for the decor
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Nusrat Jahan Shaba, a Bangladeshi citizen, with her Swedish partner, Kristoffer Aronsen, arrived from Malmo City, around 65 kilometres away from Helsingborg, to participate in the festivities
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The priests had arranged for ‘Pushpanjali’ for the attendees. They were also served a Bengali bhog, which included ‘khichuri’, ‘alur dom’, chutney, ‘payesh’ and papad
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From left: Jayanta Dutta, a member of Sambandh who works with Sigma Technology, brought two of his friends along to experience the festival. Inna Dudinets came from Lund, while Nikolai Dahlberg arrived from Gothenburg, which is 215 kilometres away
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The ‘sindur khela’ festivities after Dashami Durga ‘boron’ were celebrated in great spirit. It started with a five-minute high-octane dance performance which enthralled the spectators. The event was followed by a performance from a live DJ who ensured everyone was on the dance floor
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Culture has been a strong point of Sambandh. This year’s Durgotsav featured an inaugural classical dance, as well as Bangla songs and theatre by the members. The first-generation Bengalis, who started this puja in Helsingborg, expect to expand with their children taking up the mantle in the years to come
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‘As Bengalis, we feel elated that our Bengal’s Durga Puja is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and that gives us even more reason to spread the festivity and joy in this part of south Sweden,’ is the belief that keeps Sambandh going
