Houston Durgabari celebrates 25 years of puja
The Statesman | 8 October 2025The festivities spanned nine days, beginning with rituals held on the actual tithi days, followed by a weekend packed with cultural programmes that showcased both local talent and renowned artists. The line-up included performances by Joy-Lopa, the Nandy Sisters, and the legendary Kavita Krishnamoorthy, alongside a host of vibrant local acts that reflected the community’s rich artistic heritage.
This year’s highlight was the 250 feet-long alpona, the longest outside of India for a Durga Puja, said the organisers.
“Sandhi Puja was a truly mystical experience,” recounted Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, founding trustee and a volunteer priest of the Houston Durgabari’s Durga Puja, which is celebrating its silver jubilee.
Consulate General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath, inaugurated the event along with Durgabari president Sandip Bhattacharya, secretary Arnendu Bose, puja chairpersons Subhas Das and Santanu Mukhopadhyay and priests.
Houston Durgabari stands as one of the few temples in the United States dedicated to Shakti – Goddess Durga. In 2015, Durgabari was honoured with the Sarod Samman by the West Bengal government.
