News and Announcements
Check the Venues and Times of all the events
Venue: Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech, USA
- Pujo ceremony: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
- Bhog: 1:30PM - 2:30PM
- Cultural Programme: 2:30PM - 4:30PM
- Dinner: 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Keep watching this space for the highlights of the cultural event!
Don't miss it!
Food Tickets are limited.
This year our food tickets are limited in number. Please book your tickets well in advance. Swipe down to view our dinner menu. Buy Dinner Tickets Now!
Background and History
It is said that driven away from their heavenly abode by the evil demon Mahishashura, the Gods sought refuge from the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (the Creator, the Nurturer and the Destroyer). Upon their counsel, the Gods combined their energies to form Devi Durga, the Mother Goddess who was power personified. The supreme female deity was born in battle armor and had ten hands that bore arms. Her mount, the lion was a gift from the mighty Himalayas. When Durga challenged Mahishashura to battle, the demon dismissed her as a mere woman. However, it was at the hands of this woman that the evil demon finally met his end after fierce battle. Devi Durga stabbed Mahishashura’s heart with the mighty trident, a gift from Shiva, her consort. (It is this image of Ma Durga slaying the demon with her trident that is ceremonially worshipped.)
Devi Durga is considered to be the epitome of a number of virtues. She resides as Power, She resides as Peace. She resides as Mother, She resides as Knowledge. She resides as Love, She resides as Valor. Despite her mythical origins, in Bengali literature, Devi Durga appears as a daughter figure who returns home once every year during the five days of Durga Puja with her four children. Thus, as much as this festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, it also celebrates homecoming.
Celebrations in BengalIn the early twentieth century, the celebrations of Durga Puja made its way out of the confines of aristocratic residences into the streets. Each year, for the five days of Durga Puja, Bengal transforms into a land of fantasies. The city of Kolkata witnesses the largest street art installation festival in the world. Hundreds of structures are erected throughout the city with different themes. Millions throng the streets amidst drum beats, music and smell of delicious street food, catching up with old friends and making new ones.
Activities
Schedule
Venue: Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center, USA
- Pujo ceremony: 11:30AM - 1:30PM
- Bhog: 1:30PM - 2:30PM
- Cultural Programme: 2:30PM - 4:30PM
- Dinner: 4:30PM - 6:30PM
Bengali Dinner
Try our special dinner menu to get an authentic taste of Bengal's royal Pujo cuisine.
Cultural Program
Be a part of our cultural heritage by celebrating an evening with authentic Bengali dance, drama and music.
View our Magazine
Check out a wonderful compilation of art, literature and photography and savor the rich heritage of the festival.
We are BSA
The Bengali Students’ Association (BSA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization at Virginia Tech. It has been representing the ‘Bangali’ culture at Virginia Tech for the past 12 years. Although the organization is comprised of people whose roots are in Bengal, India, we always welcome members who wish to be a part of the Bangali culture. Our main event is the Durga Puja which usually takes place in October. Apart from that, we organize the Saraswati Puja in February, Fall break trip and also arrange for a ‘beginning of school’ picnic in mid-August.
Contact Us
| President | Abhinaba Nandy | abhin90[at]vt[dot]edu |
| Treasurer | Rounak Meyur | rounakm8[at]vt[dot]edu |