WEB DESK
Durga Pooja was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety at the Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre (SVCC) of the Indian Embassy in Beijing and at Indian consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. A joyous Indian Community led by ‘The Beijing Bongs’ – a community group, gathered from various parts of Beijing to get soaked in the pious aura of goddess Durga with traditional pooja amid the beats of ‘Dhaak’.
Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat commended the efforts of Indian community members to continue organizing different festivals to spread the essence of India. The core message of this festival, the victory of good over evil is timeless and ever relevant, he added. SVCC Director, Rajashree Behera commended the efforts of the Indian community members who came together to organize the pooja despite all the odds resulting from the tight COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing.
Pooja organisers said this was another exceptional year because many of the active members of the group are either stuck outside China because of pandemic restrictions or have left China. They expressed great satisfaction that Durgotsav this year is celebrated with pomp and grandeur. It was a full day family event on Vijayadashami which was the fifth Durga Pooja celebration in Beijing by the Indian community. The daylong event saw a variety of events including puja rituals, cultural programs, movie screening and a sumptuous feast.
Durga Puja was declared as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO’ in 2021. It has also become a space for social and artistic activities. At the event, renowned Chinese dancer Jin Shanshan – famous Bharatnatyam exponent performed classical performances. Indian Community members also gave soulful performances to celebrate the shared heritage in the Indian subcontinent.