Bengali and Indian communities are the “role models” of London that “contribute immensely” to British society, the city's deputy mayor for business Rajesh Agrawal has said.
Speaking at an event in Harrow on Saturday, Mr Agrawal praised the Indian population in the UK for culturally enriching the country.
“The Bengali community has a very important role not just in shaping India but shaping the world and has played a key role in London and British society.
“Its contribution is absolutely phenomenal and both the mayor and I recognise that.
“Bengali and Indian communities are the role model communities in our country and here in our city.”
Mr Agrawal was speaking at the opening of Panchmukhee Durga Utsav, an eight-day cultural festival at the Harrow Arts Centre in North London.
He said events such as the Utsav bring communities together in addition to bearing a religious significance.
“This is the way through which first generation immigrants get the chance to pass on some [cultural] values to their children.
“I have two young daughters and I think events like these play a very important role in exposing our children to our culture.”
The multi-day event is a celebration of the Hindu festival Navaratri, also known as Durga Puja, which is observed for nine days every year in October.
Saturday was the first day of the event and opened with a traditional dance depicting the victory of good over evil.
Ramyani Basu, 36, an attendee, said: “This is the start of a ceremony of conquering evil. It is like getting the inner evil killed to celebrate the inner good.
“Durga Puja is an event that brings everybody together. Bengali community is very strong and during Durga Puja everything we do we do it together.”
The dance was followed by a performance from Bengali singer Goutam Ghosal who was accompanied by musicians from Kolkata.
Money raised at Saturday’s event would go to two non-profits supporting children in rural west India and west London.
Sudipta Das, 36, one of the organisers, said: “Bengali things start with music and end with music. So music is a part of life.
“Durga Puja is celebrated across India and now all over the world. We definitely look forward to different communities joining us and celebrating.”
Another organiser, Saurabh Basu, 48, said: “This is one of the festive times in the year where not just the Hindus but all other communities celebrate.
“At Panchmukhee we thrive on inclusion and keep the religious aspect aside; everyone comes and performs.”
