Next month will see Hindus from across Berkshire donning their new finery and gathering together to celebrate the festival of Sharad Utsav.
For the second year running, the Bengali Cultural Society, Reading (BCS) is organising a celebration “of the greatest and most significant socio-cultural event in the Hindu calendar”, from October 2 to 5, at the Rivermead Leisure Centre in Richfield Avenue.
The festival of “Sharad Utsav”, more commonly known as Durga Puja, Navaratri or Dassera in different parts of India, is an annual event celebrated all over the world, usually held over four or five days in September/October.
For Indians and Bengalis, Durga Puja marks the victory of the Mother Goddess, Durga, over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, epitomising the victory of good over evil.
BCS’s Sangita Nandi said: “It is an occasion for people to dress up in new clothes and come together as one, catching up with existing friends and making new ones.
“It has a real community feel to it.
“It is this community spirit that BCS successfully captured last year, when the festival was celebrated for the very first time in Reading.
“With more than a 3,000 footfall over the three days, the occasion became one of the most widely attended community events in Berkshire.”
This year, organisers expect more than 5,000 to attend the four-day celebration of “warmth and grandeur”, which, in addition to morning worships, will feature the Reading Schools’ Art Exhibition, as well activities, workshops, stalls, exhibitions, cultural programmes and food, from 10am to 10pm every day.
“BCS extends its welcome to all, whatever their background, who wish to come and experience the festivities of Sharad Utsav,” said Ms Nandi.
For more information, visit durgapujareading.com.