The cost-of-living crisis and the volatile UK economy have impacted everybody in Britain, often leading to a feeling of isolation and stress. Yet the Bengali community (originally from Bengal, India, now settled in the UK), remains resilient, determined to convert those challenges into something inspirational.
Such is the story of Warwickshire Sarbojonin. A young organisation, with members from various professional backgrounds, is starting a brand-new Durga puja this year in the heart of Warwickshire at Weston-under-Weatherly Village Hallfrom 26 to 28 September. They believe this is a crucial time to come together and create a community hub.
Subhadip Chatterjee, speaking to Asian Voice, said, “Our inspiration came from the belief that community, culture, and a sense of belonging are more vital than ever when times are tough. Durga Puja, at its heart, is a festival of hope, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil. By starting this new Puja, we are creating a space where we can - reaffirm our community spirit, preserve our culture, find strength in unity and last but not the least to pass on our heritage to the future generation.
“We were tired of traveling long distances to join celebrations and felt a strong need to create a community hub right here. Warwickshire Sarbojonin therefore started with a simple idea among a few Bengali families here in Warwick. We have a shared longing for the rich cultural experience of Durga Puja, a festival that brings a sense of home and belonging.”
However, their efforts are not just restricted to creating just a community hub, but among many other things, and unlike other pujas in the UK, they are also making their own Durga pratima (idol) from the scratch. “Cost is a factor. Bringing the idol from Kolkata to UK will cost
reasonably higher than creating the idol in here. This is also environment friendly. The materials used are environment friendly. Local sourcing of materials and production reduces emissions. It can be recycled keeping sustainability factors and environmental norms in UK. Carbon footprint of international shipping is substantial. This also allows personal touch, customisation, and preservation of tradition. Also engaging the local community with the heritage of raising the idol until Durga puja,” said Chatterjee.
The idol is being made by Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, one of the core members of the group, and an automobile engineer by profession but also a passionate artist. The main Durga pratima (idol) is around 5 feet. Along with its background (chala) and base it will be around 6.5 feet. Rest of the idols are around 2.5 feet, to be fitted onto the ‘chala’. The theme of the first year’s puja is the essence of rural Bengal - it's simplicity, warmth and deep-rooted traditions just like the countryside of Warwickshire.
“We carry emotional depth and intentional symbolism,” said Chatterjee. “The use of natural clay, moulding clay or biodegradable paints to create the pratima, gives a powerful statement about sustainability and respect for nature - a core value in Durga puja. We have chosen a distinct facial expression, pose or colour palette that reflects our vision of the Goddess. Creating a Durga idol in the UK is itself unique - it's a cultural bridge bringing the spirit of Bengal to a new place. It becomes an identity, resilience and celebration of the diaspora. And lastly when the friends and family is helping, it becomes a collective act of devotion making the idol a living memory of shared effort and joy,” she added.
Kashpool North Kent Bengali Association
In the same spirit, Kashpool North Kent Bengali Association is organising its first ever Durga puja in Gravesend, Kent from 28 to 30 September at the Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close. The group began when like-minded Bengali friends and families wanted to bring Durga puja to the local community. They 8 founding families not only have contributed money, but each have contributed their time, skills and resources. They are strongly supported by the local Indian community and Dartford Borough Council. Shayonee Ghosh, speaking to Asian Voice, said, “After years of travelling to London or further, we felt now was the right moment to start one here and hopefully we have built something that will continue to grow every year.
“Our idol has been lovingly crafted in India by traditional artisans and shipped here. It will be around 6 feet, and Ma Durga will be depicted in her traditional form - graceful, divine, and powerful. Every puja has its own soul. For us, the uniqueness lies in the fact that this is North Kent’s very first Durga Puja. It’s entirely community-driven, built from scratch without corporate sponsorship, purely on the strength of collective goodwill and residents coming together. That sense of togetherness and fresh beginning makes it truly special.
“There will be bhog prasad served at night for approx. 200 visitors each day of the puja, lovingly prepared by our volunteers. We’re also planning cultural performances, organised by our younger generations.”
Bong Junction
Members of Bong Junction are organising their first ever Durga puja at the Hollyfield School at Surbiton from 26 to 28 September. Speaking to Asian Voice, Saborni Chatterjee explains what inspired them to start this puja, which undeniably comes with a huge cost, especially as UK’s economic situation worsens. “It is undeniably a fact that the rising cost of living is an issue. But that should not affect social cohesion or religious worship,” said Chatterjee. “In fact, when the going gets tough it is even more important for all of us to come together - to be there for each other. This is the purpose our Durga Puja serves. Religious worship and community building lies at the heart of our Durga Puja initiative. It should not be seen - and will never be - an act of conspicuous consumption.”
Rooted in the Bengali diaspora yet open to everyone, Bong Junction, as an organisation, is a lively blend of spirituality, culture, and community spirit. The organisation is led by eight enthusiastic trustees who bring together experience from medicine, journalism, finance, IT, and more. Beyond their professional skills, they share a genuine passion for serving the community and helping it grow.
This year’s Durga idol is made by Uttam Pal from Kolkata, India, a well-known artist who mixes traditional style with a modern touch. Carefully crafted, the idol shows both spiritual beauty and artistic skill. With her classic charm and contemporary look, Ma Durga will inspire devotion and bless everyone with her divine presence.
Celebrating women empowerment as a background, Chatterjee added, “Durga Puja is never truly complete without the traditional bhog, the sacred offering of food that symbolises devotion and community. To celebrate this cherished ritual, we are delighted to offer bhog on the evening of 27 September to all our devotees and visitors.”
Delft Durga Bari in Netherlands
Not only in the UK, Delft Durga Bari in Netherlands is also organising their first ever Durga puja. Speaking to Asian Voice, Anindita Nandi Roy from the organisation told us about what inspired them to start the puja despite the challenging economic climate and limited fundings.
“Celebrating Durga Puja isn't just about grandeur, it is also about community, warmth, shared values, and passing down our traditions to the next generation. We started small and decided to begin with what we have: dedication, unity, and the blessings of Ma Durga. It is a humble start but filled with heart. This heartfelt initiative is driven more by passion than budget, and we believe when intentions are strong, support gradually follows.”
Delft Durga Bari was born out of a desire to recreate the warmth of home away from home. Four families from Delft came together as one extended family, missing the ‘parar puja’ (local puja in Bengal), and that gave birth to the Delft Durga Bari. The organisation is steadily growing with more people joining them. Their puja theme this year is ‘Rooted in Bengal, Celebrated in Delft’, but their idol has an interesting history. “We are not outsourcing the idol from India, nor are we making it from scratch,” said the spokesperson. “In fact, our idol has a beautiful story of its own. It has been part of Durga Pujo celebrations here in the Netherlands for the last few years with another family. When they decided to continue with another idol, they graciously passed this idol on to us. So, in a way, this idol carries forward the spiritual continuity and emotion of past celebrations. It is truly special for us to give it a new home in Delft through Delft Durga Bari, where its legacy will continue in a new setting, with new faces, but the same devotion.”
The puja at Delft Durga Bari will be celebrated from 1 to 4 October 2025 at Noordeindseweg72, 2645 BC Delfgauw. There will be traditional bhog, prepared with love to bring that authentic Bengali festive flavour. A variety of cultural programmes that truly reflect the spirit of Bengali tradition and community have been planned too. The focus is on community participation where children, adults, everyone is involved. It is less about performance, and more about celebrating togetherness with music, art, and joy.
(Part 2 will be published next week)
