Members of the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) in Sri Lanka recently came together to celebrate Durga Puja at the Sri Manika Vinayagar Kovil, Lorenz Road, Colombo -05. This annual festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2022. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, it marks the triumph of good over evil and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga. The celebrations were held in October, and goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, a shape-shifting demon from Hindu mythology, was revered.
The ICA’s celebration featured a beautifully decorated stage and structural pandals housing an idol of the goddess Durga, where devotees gathered to offer prayers and participate in traditional rituals. The Durga Puja is a significant event within the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism, which celebrates Durga as a powerful maternal figure, symbolising the force behind all creation and life.
Durga Puja, is widely celebrated practically in all the Indian states and holds particular significance for the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka. This year’s puja included scripture recitations, cultural performances and gift-giving, creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence for those in attendance.
The ICA’s celebration was followed by Lakshmi Puja, which pays tribute to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This festival further enriches the cultural calendar of the Indian community in Sri Lanka. Along with religious observations these events promote ways to preserve the rich heritage and traditions of the Indian subcontinent in Sri Lanka.