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Luxmi puja & bijoya sammilani

On the 20th of October 2024, the Cairns Bongo Group hosted a heartfelt Luxmi Puja and Bijoya Sammilani celebration in Cairns, Queensland. The event, dedicated to Goddess Luxmi, the symbol of prosperity and well-being, brought the Bengali community together in a harmonious blend of tradition, worship, and cultural enjoyment.
Luxmi Puja:The celebration began with the sacred rituals of Luxmi Puja. Devotees gathered in a peaceful setting, their hearts filled with devotion, to offer prayers to Goddess Luxmi, seeking her blessings for wealth, happiness, and good fortune. The beautifully adorned idol of Luxmi Devi was surrounded by offerings of fruits, sweets, and lamps, filling the space with a sense of serenity and grace. The chants and hymns in praise of the Goddess reverberated through the hall, creating a spiritual aura that uplifted everyone present.
Lunch:Following the puja, a delicious community lunch was served, featuring a variety of traditional Bengali dishes. From fragrant rice to sumptuous curries and sweets, the meal was a feast for both the body and soul. Sharing food is an important part of Bengali celebrations, and the communal lunch brought people together, fostering a spirit of friendship and unity as they enjoyed the delicacies.
Bijoya Sammilani:As the afternoon unfolded, the celebrations transitioned into the Bijoya Sammilani, a post-Durga Puja tradition where people exchange warm wishes and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. This segment of the event was especially significant as it symbolized joy, reconciliation, and the reaffirmation of bonds within the community after the Durga Puja festivities.
Performance by Young Star Samya Karpha:A major highlight of the event was the captivating performance by young musical prodigy Samya Karpha, who had traveled from Calcutta to perform for the Cairns Bongo Group. Samya’s remarkable talent was on full display as he mesmerized the audience with his soulful voice and vibrant renditions of Bengali poems. His performance added an extra spark to the festivities, keeping the audience spellbound and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.
The Luxmi Puja and Bijoya Sammilani celebration by Cairns Bongo Group on 20 October 2024 was a day filled with devotion, delicious food, and delightful cultural performances. It was a perfect way to honor traditions, bring the community together, and end the festive season on a joyful note. The Cairns Bongo Group looks forward to many more such events that celebrate the essence of Bengali culture and unity.

durga puja 2024

On the 12th of October 2024, the Cairns Bongo Group hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Durga Puja celebration at Edge Hill State School, Cairns, Queensland. The day was filled with joy, devotion, and cultural festivities, bringing the local community together to honor the Goddess Durga and celebrate Bengali traditions.
Puja and Pushpanjali:The day began with the traditional Durga Puja rituals, where devotees gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings from Maa Durga. The serene atmosphere, filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and mantras, set the tone for a spiritually enriching experience. Following the puja, the pushpanjali ceremony took place, allowing attendees to offer flowers in devotion while chanting hymns in unison, a beautiful symbol of unity and reverence.
Art and Colouring Competitions:Cairns Bongo Group organized an exciting art competition and a colouring contest. Children, with their vibrant imaginations, showcased their creativity by painting and coloring scenes inspired by Durga Puja. The energy and enthusiasm of the young artists were infectious, adding to the festive spirit of the day.
Best Dressed Competition:One of the highlights of the celebration was the Best Dressed Competition, where participants donned their finest traditional attire. Bright saris, kurtas, and ethnic ensembles filled the event with splashes of colour, creating a rich visual tapestry. Prizes were awarded to those who truly embodied the grace and elegance of Bengali tradition.
Prasad and Lunch:No Durga Puja celebration is complete without the sharing of prasad and a community meal. A delicious and wholesome lunch was served, offering traditional Bengali dishes that brought the flavors of home to everyone’s plate. The warm fellowship around the table made the meal even more special, as everyone came together to break bread and celebrate.
Shindur Khela and Dhanuchi Dance:In the afternoon, the shindur khela (vermilion game) brought a joyous and emotional close to the festivities for the women of the community. Dressed in white and red saris, they smeared each other with vermilion powder, celebrating Durga’s victory over evil and bidding her farewell until next year.
The celebration continued with the mesmerizing dhanuchi dance, where participants danced rhythmically, holding burning incense-filled earthen pots. The beats of the dhak (traditional drum) and the swirling clouds of incense smoke added a dramatic flair to the dance, captivating the audience and ending the day on a high note.
The 2024 Durga Puja celebration by Cairns Bongo Group was a beautiful blend of devotion, culture, and community, leaving everyone with fond memories and a renewed sense of togetherness. We look forward to continuing this cherished tradition for years to come!

cricket 2024

Cairns Knight Riders represented Cairns Bongo Group and played with full of spirit and sincerity! The series was jointly organised by Cairns Hindu Samaj Inc and Cairns Indian Association as part of fundraising program on 27 July 2024, Walker Road Cricket Ground, Edmonton, Cairns, QLD

cairns show food stall 2024

This year we organised a food stall representing delicious Bengali food recipies as part of fund raising program for Durga Puja. Our dishes achieved a tremendous popularity among the crowd. 17-19 July 2024, Cairns Showground, Cairns, QLD

Annual picnic 2024

Annual General Meeting, Beach Cricket, Beach Soccer, BBQ at beautify beachfront park, kids games on 5th May 2024.
Deadmans Gully Park, Clifton Beach, Cairns, QLD

নববর্ষ ১৪৩১ (BENGALI NEW YEAR 2024)

This year we celebrated Bengali New Year (নববর্ষ ১৪৩১) on 14th April 2024. Participation of Bangladeshis magnified the colour and rejoice of the event.
Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod Association Hall, Cairns, QLD

DURGA PUJA 2023

Dance to the beat of Dhak, rejoice in the spirit of Durga Puja. Glimpse of Durga Puja celebration 21st October 2023.
Edge Hill State School, Cairns, QLD

A e Anindya

10th September, 2023 at Holloways Beach Community Centre

An Evening Soaked in Handcrafted Nostalgia! - Sourav Das
Our esteem guest for 2023 Pre-Durga Puja Event was Mr. Anindya Chatterjee, who is an Indian Bengali film director, music director, singer, lyricist, actor and producer based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He is the singer-lyricist of famous Bengali band Chandrabindoo. The event was attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all Bengalis in Cairns as well as some from wider Bangladeshi community and Indian community. This program was followed by a community dinner at Yaya's Kitchen.