Hyderabad is gearing up for a major event. The Hyderabad Bangalee Samity (HBS) is ready to celebrate its 84th Durga Puja from September 27 to October 2 at NTR Stadium, near Indira Park.
The festival started in 1942 during the Nizam’s era as the city’s first community Durga Puja. It has since become the largest and most anticipated Dussehra celebration in Hyderabad, reflecting the rich traditions of four generations of Bengalis who have made the city their home. The event attracts people from all over Telangana and neighboring areas, offering a mix of religious rituals, cultural activities, and community gatherings.
The six-day celebration includes traditional rituals like the Bodhan, Nabapatrika Prabesh, and the Sandhi Puja. Devotees will also enjoy the Dhunuchi Dance and Sindoor Khela, leading up to the grand Visarjan.
This year, HBS has set up three large pandals. One is for Maa Durga and her children, another for the Bhog and Annadanam, and a third for cultural events. The tradition of serving free community lunches continues, with around 15,000 people receiving meals daily. The Bhog includes dishes like Khichudi and Payesh, offered first to the Goddess, then to the devotees.
The cultural side of the festival features performances by artists from Mumbai and Kolkata. Dipanwitaa Choudhury will perform on Maha Ashtami, and Rahul Deb will entertain on Navami night. The event will also showcase plays and competitions involving community members.
The festival will officially open on September 28 with Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Swami Bodhamayananda Ji attending, adding a spiritual touch. HBS is using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads to share the event’s vibrancy, merging traditional Bengali culture with Hyderabad’s modern spirit.
While Kolkata and Mumbai have their unique Durga Puja styles, Hyderabad’s Bangalee Samity Puja is the largest and oldest in South India, combining devotion, cultural richness, and festive joy.
