Global Probashi Pujos Plan Ambitious Durga Puja Events Despite Rising Costs

Global logistical cost pressures have not deterred Bengali associations in Dublin, Sweden, and New Jersey from organizing ambitious, theme-driven Durga Pujas for the upcoming celebrations. Organizers are tackling higher freight, venue, and transport expenses through early planning, recycled materials, and community-led fundraising.

Despite these financial pressures, probashi Bengalis are planning larger and more ambitious celebrations that blend cultural roots with contemporary storytelling.

Pratyush Banerjee on Financial Pressures in Dublin

In Dublin, the Sujan – Bengali Association of Ireland has faced significant increases across venues, photography, decorations, and international freight. Pratyush Banerjee, general secretary of the association, explained that the higher expenses affected the international transportation of the idol from Kolkata to Dublin as well as local logistics before and after the event.

Global Probashi Pujos Plan Ambitious Durga Puja Events Despite Rising Costs

Yes, costs have increased significantly across all fronts this year. The primary pressures have come from venue and operational expenses, with community halls, photography and decorations becoming considerably more expensive. Freight and logistics have also been affected by rising global fuel costs, making both the international transportation of the idol from Kolkata to Dublin and local logistics before and after the event more expensive. To manage these pressures, we have made practical adjustments, including deciding not to fly in traditional dhaakis from India this year due to the high travel costs. Overall, we are navigating these financial challenges through early planning, stronger community fundraising and structured sponsorship drives.

Pratyush Banerjee, general secretary, Sujan – Bengali Association of Ireland in Dublin

Shibaji Chandra on Theme Puja Expansion in New Jersey

Theme-driven Durga Pujas are gaining popularity overseas as communities utilize art and local participation to explore identity and belonging. In New Jersey, Trinayani was previously the sole organization executing theme pujas in the state, but the trend has now broadened.

Probashi pujas are also leaning towards theme driven pujas. We, Trinayani, were the only organization who used to do Theme Puja in the state of New Jersey, but now from this year 3 more big community pujas have started theme driven pujas in New Jersey. Apart from this, lot of small community pujas are evolving and even few ‘gharer puja’ is also evolving as well.

Shibaji Chandra, member, Trinayani, Plainsboro

Somnath Dana on Sustainable Production and Traditions in Sweden

The Bengali Association of Gothenburg in Sweden is exploring themes of home, memory, and belonging via community-led production. Their theme for the celebration is Beyond the Gateways of Bengal, which examines doorways in Bengali homes as symbols of welcome and new beginnings. Volunteers are crafting all decorations using recycled materials.

Probashi Pujas are no longer only religious gatherings; they have also become spaces where communities celebrate art, culture, memory, and identity. At BAG, we have always tried to use our Puja to tell a story about Bengal in a way that feels meaningful here in Sweden. This year’s theme is ‘Beyond the Gateways of Bengal’. It looks at the idea of doors and gateways in Bengali homes—not just as physical entrances, but as symbols of welcome, memory, belonging, and new beginnings. The decorations are being made entirely by volunteers using recycled materials. We are also continuing something very close to our hearts: our in-house women priests conducting the Puja rituals. This will be the fourth consecutive year of that tradition.

Somnath Dana, secretary, Bengali Association of Gothenburg (BAG)