Durga Puja is a radiant celebration marking the triumph of good over evil. The Mother Goddess, Ma Durga - the epitome of Matri-Shakti and destroyer of all evils symbolises the power of divine over the demonic - Chandi.

Durga, in Sanskrit means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." Goddess Durga is a form of Shakti. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

The Goddess Durga exists in different reincarnations which include Shakti, Kali, Gauri, Uma, Parvati, Chandi, Ambika, Lalita, Bhavani, Bhagvati, Java, Rajeshwari and other forms. The name “Durga” means the ‘invincible’. Devi Durga symbolizes freedom from all evils like injustice, cruelty, hatred, ego and other forms of pain and suffering.

At Camden we indeed feel proud to uphold and showcase the rich Bengali culture and heritage to a diverse population here in the United Kingdom.

Durga Puja has been inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO in 2021. It is the 14th Indian event on the list, others include Yoga, Vedic Chanting, Buddhist Chanting in Ladakh, Chau Dance, Ramlila, Navroz, Kumbh Mela and others.

According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage indicates 'the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their Cultural Heritage'.

Inscription on the ICH has given Camden Durga Puja an international recognition and attention. It has helped to raise awareness about the event not only within the Bengali community but also within the Indian diaspora in / around London.

During Durga Puja, we immerse ourselves in the cultural richness and ethereal ambience, creating unforgettable memories for lifetime and witness how the tapestry of Bengali culture and tradition unfolds in London.

The reason to fundraise for Durga Puja is to keep alive the festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity (ICH) here in the United Kingdom and also to celebrate UNESCO’s recognition of Durga Puja as ICH in 2021.