As the soft, cottony clouds drift across Bengal’s autumn sky, their beauty finds an echo thousands of miles away — in Delaware, USA. Along the Christina River boardwalk from Wilmington to Philadelphia, the same mellow light, the same sky-draped nostalgia, seems to follow. For a fleeting moment, you could almost believe you’re back home. (Photo & info: Biswarupa Chowdhury, Delaware)
In Delaware’s crisp autumn, the air is cooler than Bengal’s, but the trees burst into brilliant shades before shedding their leaves — a spectacle known here as fall foliage. Yet, even thousands of miles from home, the heart of a Bengali stirs at the sound of dhak in Dhaka or the echo of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Mahalaya broadcast on YouTube. “Ashwin has lit its lamps.” Just like in Kolkata, last-minute Durga Puja preparations were underway here too. Udan’s Durgotsav 2025 wrapped up this Sunday, bringing a familiar festive warmth to this faraway land.
For the past 12 years, the ‘Udan’ club has brought Sharad Utsav to life for Bengalis in Newark, Delaware. Though a relatively young group, Udan’s scale and spirit rival even the oldest puja committees. Every year, volunteers—young and old—come together to reimagine Ma Durga’s look, turning months of planning into a vibrant celebration. As the final decorations go up, the joy on their faces reflects a quiet pride: they’ve carried a piece of Bengal across oceans, and made it bloom in a new land.
Local cultural programs here are buzzing with talent. Many who once shined in shows like Sa Re Ga Ma or Indian Idol continue nurturing music abroad, now mentoring the next generation. From soulful songs to lively dramas, performances for both children and adults are rehearsed with passion. Directors and teams pour in hours, perfecting each act—not just for applause, but to keep the cultural thread alive far from home.
The real buzz, however, comes from the star-studded artist lineup. Over the years, names like Kumar Sanu, Nachiketa, Lagnajita, Anupam Roy, Rupam Islam, and Somlata have electrified the stage. This year’s big draws are Surjit and Friends along with Anvesha’s soulful ‘Surmurchana’. Behind the scenes, the artist management team is in full swing—tuning sound systems, running checks, and ensuring everything runs like clockwork. While kids dart about in excitement, grandparents soak in the festive joy, playing babysitter and reliving the magic of Durga Puja under one joyous roof.
When asked about this year’s Durga Puja preparations, members of the food committee lit up with excitement—and hunger-inducing details. “We’re celebrating over three days this year,” one of them shared, “and the weekend menus are set to steal the show.” On Saturday and Sunday (October 4–5), the culinary lineup reads like a Bengali food lover’s dream: phulko luchi with navaratna cholar dal, smoky Pashtun chapli kebabs, rich nawabi biryani, and spicy gost bhuna, rounded off with chutney. And let’s not forget dessert—regal Upper Bengal-style rasgollas and the much-loved nolen gur sandesh. With a spread like this, most local kitchens stayed shut, and for good reason.
Even though the festival unfolds far from Indian soil, the rituals here are anything but diluted. From the bodhan that awakens the Goddess, to the sandhi puja, Chandipath, mirror immersion, garland offerings, and the joyous splash of sindoor khela—every tradition is meticulously followed by the priests abroad, just as they would be back home. But unlike many pujas in India, there’s no membership barrier here. Everyone is welcome, equally. No passes, no gatekeeping—just walk in, take part, and be treated with the warmth and open-heartedness that only a Bengali community can offer. If you happen to be in the area during Durga Puja, drop in—you’ll likely be leaving with both your heart and stomach full.
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