Durga Puja

A Brief History

The uniqueness of our Puja 'Helsinki Durga Puja' is highlighted by the fact that this Puja is observed in the northernmost capital of the world. This was also the first Durga Puja in Finland.

In one Autumn evening in 1999 a few Bengalis met and decided to celebrate the Durga Puja festival, naming it 'Helsinki Durga Puja'. In 2022, we celebrated the Puja for the 24th time. In the beginning we did not have a Pratima and substituted it with a Pot — a painting by a Finnish woman. In 2003 we managed to get a Durga Pratima through sincere efforts of one of our Bengali enthusiasts. That statue is now preserved in a museum in Espoo.

Now as the number of Bengalis grew, there are 4 Pujas being observed in the capital city area of Finland. But ours — Helsinki Durga Puja — was the pioneer.

With efforts from many activists and under BAF's organizing capability, we increase the Puja cultural activities, literary capabilities and socialization every year. Apart from celebrating Puja through traditional rituals, song and dance, BAF also prepares a special Puja magazine called Srijan, where Bengalis receive an opportunity to exhibit their creative side.

BAF Durga Puja 2024 Schedule

BAF Durga Puja 2024 Schedule

BAF Durga Puja 2024

Dates: 11–13 October 2024
Venue: Espoo International School

  • 11th October (Friday): 18:00–22:00 — BAF members and family only
  • 12th October (Saturday): 10:00–21:00
  • 13th October (Sunday): Open Event 10:00–18:00 (Free entry); Paid registration 18:00–22:00

Registration: https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/BDP24-REG
Registration deadline: 5.10.2024

BAF Durga Puja 2023 Schedule

BAF Durga Puja 2023 Schedule

BAF Durga Puja 2022

Dates: 8th & 9th October 2022
Venue: Espoo International School, Opinmäki Campus, Suurpelto

After 2 years of uncertainties, BAF celebrated its biggest festival of the year in full swing. This year Bengali Association of Finland Ry celebrated its 24th Annual Durgostov. The event was highlighted in TARA News, Zee News, Telegraph India and Times of India.

Open Darshan: Sunday, 9th October from 15:30–18:00

BAF Durga Puja 2022 Media Coverage

BAF Durga Puja 2022 Media Coverage
BAF Durga Puja 2022 Media Coverage

BAF Durga Puja 2022 Flyer

BAF Durga Puja 2022 Flyer
BAF Durga Puja 2022 Flyer

BAF Durga Puja 2021

Dates: 16 & 17 October 2021
Venue: Asukastalo Kulkuri, Helsinki

After all the uncertainty, BAF organized its first physical event in 2021. Due to the Covid situation, the Puja was organized with a few limitations including EU Covid certificate requirement and compulsory mask-wearing.

Schedule (both days):

  • 10:00 Venue opens
  • 10:00–12:00 Pooja
  • 12:00–13:00 Pushpanjali & Prasad
  • 13:00–14:30 Lunch
  • 15:00–16:30 Kids activities & Cultural programs
  • 17:00–18:00 Aarti
  • 18:00–19:00 / 18:00–18:30 Cultural program / Arati & Protima boron
  • 19:00–20:30 / 18:30–20:00 Dinner