What started as an act of self-determination by a motley crew of Bengalis in Cincinnati back in 2008 became an unstoppable juggernaut of cultural expression in the years that followed. Looking back, we think we chose our motto well: “Together We Can”.
Humble beginnings
We had our humble beginnings, like any other organization. We were content with a small idol for our celebrations, but we never compromised on festive spirit and enjoyment. It was sheer determination and self-belief that let us graduate in three years — from a boxed, framed idol of Ma Durga to the pratima we love to decorate every year during our Durga Pujo.
More than one festival
That same determination made us a cultural organization with regular events — Saraswati Pujo, Borshoboron, the summer picnic, Lakshmi Pujo and Sparsha — alongside the premiere event we host every year, Cincinnati Durga Utsav.
Sparsha is a special one. Held at Christmas, it is an occasion for our little ones to visit a local senior citizens’ home and extend their love and admiration to the grandparent figures who are a huge part of our lives, yet far, far away.
On stage
Over the years we have hosted dance festivals during Durga Utsav, where our children demonstrated classical, semi-classical and Bollywood dance. A few years ago our young adults rehearsed and presented a historical play in impeccable Bengali, with a newer interpretation of the Mahabharata. Our men and women entertain us regularly with vocal renditions of traditional and popular songs, dance dramas, recitations and Bengali plays.
A visit to remember
During our Durga Pujo celebrations in 2015 we played host to a group of differently-abled young adults from Bengaluru, who were touring the US on a fund-raising trip for their school. Their presence gave all of us — especially our children — the chance to learn about and appreciate those who are different from us, and to share the joy of our festive season with them.
Beyond Cincinnati
We have had representation nationally as well — naatok at Banga Sammelan Atlantic City, the Regional Bengali Conference in Nashville and the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago; nritya-natyo at the Regional Bengali Conference in Nashville; Bangla gaan at Banga Mela Cincinnati. Our members have enjoyed entertaining audiences everywhere.
We have a professional singer, a literary editor, a movie producer and a movie actor in our midst, adding to the vibrancy of the organization. They live among an abundance of other performers who are never paid to share their passions with us — and share them anyway.
New in town? C’mon over.
“একতাই বল” — Together We Can
If you have an appetite for culture, become part of the organization and nurture your talent with us. You will be surprised at the opportunities to brandish your art. Volunteer, participate, connect — and join us in our celebrations.