News & Events

Recognition of BAF in Srijan Sharad Purashkar 2024

Bengali Association of Finland’s 2024 Durga Puja has been awarded the 'Srijonshilotay Sera' (Best Creativity) prize from Srijan Reality as a part of Srijan Sharad Purashkar 2024.

This is a competition that recognizes the best Durga Pujas celebration that happens Overseas.

Several Durga Pujas across US, UK, Spain, UAE, Australia, Mexico, Singapore, Poland, Canada, Japan, Finland (and possibly other countries) were evaluated, and the jury awarded 3 associations with the 'Best Creativity' award. Bengali Association of Finland aka BAF is one of them.

The jury was impressed by the way, BAF represented their central theme of 'Journey of Bengali Movies' across different platforms especially in the aesthetic decoration of the venue.

The submitted video can be seen in the following link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/117fSfun7xkEm83oLQrD45HFIsoUmgTLB

5 Oct 2024, 1700-2200 EEST @ Nöykkiön Nuorisotila Espoo

BAF Mahalaya 2024

Bondhugan,

আশ্বিনের শারদপ্রাতে বেজে উঠেছে আলোক-মঞ্জীর;
ধরণীর বহিরাকাশে অন্তরিত মেঘমালা;
প্রকৃতির অন্তরাকাশে জাগরিত জ্যোতির্ময়ী জগন্মাতার আগমন বার্তা।
আনন্দময়ী মহামায়ার পদধ্বনি অসীম ছন্দে বেজে উঠে রূপলোক ও রসলোকে আনে নব ভাবমাধুরীর সঞ্জীবন।

Mahalaya is a Sanskrit word derived from ‘maha’, meaning great, and ‘alaya’, meaning abode. This abode is no ordinary dwelling. It is the residence of the great souls. Mahalaya is a kind of an oratorical invocation of the goddess Durga, the feminine force behind the cosmos, to descend the earth. Through the rendition of Sanskrit chants like- ‘Jago tumi jago’, Arise, o thou arise, the goddess is invoked and invited to save us from the ‘asuric forces’ (evil powers or demons) that hound us.

Let's Celebrate together Mahalaya, which heralds the advent of goddess Durga also marks the beginning of ‘Devi’ paksha.

When: 05.10.2024, 1700-2200

Where: Nöykkiön nuorisotila, Oxfotintie 4, 02360 Espoo

Chanda/Participatory contributions

18+ years: 15(16)€ for BAF member
18+ years: 20(21.5)€ for BAF nonmember

13-17 years and Students with ID: 10(11)€

7-12 years: 5(5.5)€
0-6 years: FREE

The amounts in parentheses are those when paying via Epassi/Smartum/Edenred apps

Pay your participatory contribution using the following details. Kindly also share your payment receipt if possible, to the BAF treasurer at treasurer@bafin.fi.

Bank transfer:

Account name : BENGALI ASSOCIATION OF FINLAND RY
Account number : FI53 1544 3000 2470 85
Reference Number : 2024055

OR

Epassi/Smartum/Edenred: Search for 'Bengali Association of Finland ry' and pay the relevant amount

Last Date of Registration is 22nd September 2024.

Click the Link to Register: https://form.jotform.com/​bengaliassoci.../BAF-​MAHALAYA24-REG

Come one Come All !!!!

Best,

Team BAF

11 Aug 2024 • 12:00 onwards EEST @ Oittaa Outdoor Recreational Center ESPOO

BAF Picnic Day 2024

Bondhugan,

BAF is happy to announce a PICNIC DAY outing @ Oittaa outdoor recreation center, Kunnarlantie 33, 02740 ESPOO

If you would like to join us, please fill up the form with no. of participants (for FOOD COUNT ONLY) by 07.08.2024

https://form.jotform.com/BAF_​info/baf-picnic-2024

BAF will sponsor some salad, potatoes, chips, soft drinks and sausages for lunch. You can also bring your own snacks.

Thanks & Regards,
Team BAF

HUOM: If the Finnish weather surprises us at the last minute there might be a need to change the date. But let’s hope for the best.

1 June 2024 • 16:00-21:00 EEST @ EIS

BAF Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti 2024

You are cordially invited to a mesmerizing evening of Rabindra Nazrul Sandhya, a celebration of the timeless works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Entry: FREE
Registration link: https://forms.gle/BQMd3qizm9EL2gsD6

Its a free event but please fill the form to make the plan better and make the event successful

Join us for an enchanting journey through the poetic verses and melodious compositions of these two literary giants. Experience the richness of Bengali culture through captivating performances and Savour the taste of Bengali delicacies. Do visit our Art wall depicting the work of these two legends

Let us come together to honor their legacies and celebrate the profound impact of their art on our lives.

13 April 2024 • 11:00-16:00 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

BAF Poila Baisakh 2024

Bengali Association of Finland ry (BAF) cordially invites you along with your family and friends to celebrate BENGALI NEW YEAR with Lunch, Adda, Hashi and Sangskritik anusthan.

SAVE THE DATE….

Date: 13.04.2024 (Saturday)
Time: 11-16
Venue: Haukilahden Monitoimitalo, Toppelundintie 13, 02170 Espoo
Chanda: Member: 17€/adult, Non-member: 20€/adult
Student discounted price: 17€/adult member price with student id
13-18 yrs: 17€
6-12 yrs: 10€
0-5 yrs: FREE

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/BNY-1431
Registration deadline: 07.04.2024 until 2200 hrs

You can either pay with Bank transfer or Epassi/Smartum/Edenred apps. For app users, kindly search for ‘Bengali Association of Finland ry’ and pay the relevant amount.

Best regards,
Team BAF

17 February 2024 • 11:00-15:00 EET @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

BAF Saraswati Puja 2024

Bengali Association of Finland ry aka BAF would like to cordially invite you along with your family and friends to celebrate SARASWATI PUJA 2024.

The event will be filled with Impromptu performances (if any), Adda & Laughter besides Pushpanjali, Haate-khori, and Sushswadu Niramish Khichudi Bhog.

SAVE THE DATE!

Date: 17.2.2024 (Saturday)

Time: 1100 – 1500

Venue: Haukilahden monitoimitalo, Toppelundintie 13, 02170 Espoo

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/BAF_​info/SP2024

Registration deadline: 15.2.2024

Chanda/participatory contribution: BAF member: 8€, BAF nonmember: 10€, 13-17 years: 8€, and 0-12 years: FREE

You can pay with Bank Transfer/Epassi/Smartum/​Edenred/combination of payment methods.

Regards,
Team BAF

11 November 2023 • 11:00-16:00 EET @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

BAF Bijaya Sammilani 2023

Bengali Association of Finland ry aka BAF would like to cordially invite you and your family members for a post pujo adda, fun, laughter, khawa-dawa (LUNCH), impromptu performances & catch up in a completely GHAROWA PARIBESH.

So, PLEASE BLOCK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE BAF BIJAYA SAMMILANI 2023……

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/bengaliassociationfinland/BAF-BS2023
Registration deadline: 02.11.2023
Chanda/participatory contribution: 18+ years: 5 € and 0-17 years: FREE

You can pay via Bank Transfer, Epassi, Smartum, Edenred, or combination of payment methods.

Regards,
Team BAF
NB: A very surprising MENU (close to every Bengali’s heart) awaits you on 11th

14 October 2023 • 18:00-21:00 EEST @ BIODOME, Espoo International School, Lillhemtintie 1, 02250, ESPOO

MAHALAYA 2023

Bondhura,

Hope you are doing well and gearing up for the upcoming Durga Puja 2023.

But before that let’s start the festivities with MAHALAYA.

In this regard, Bengali Association of Finland ry (BAF) would like to cordially invite you and your family to celebrate the advent of Devi Paksha and the end of the Pitri Paksha (MAHALAYA) with KHAWA-DAWA, Adda, Fun & Laughter together.

BLOCK YOUR CALENDARS

Date: 14.10.2023 (Saturday)
Time: 1800 – 2100
Venue: BIODOME, Espoo International School, Lillhemtintie 1, 02250, ESPOO

Event of the Day: Watch Live…..Ind vs Pak ICC Men’s World Cup 2023

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/mahalaya-2023
Registration deadline: 07.10.2023

Chanda: 13+: 12.5 €, 7-12 yrs: 8 €, 0-6 yrs: FREE

DINNER included.

You can also pay with Epassi and Smartum apps. Just search for Bengali Association of Finland ry.

See you soon.

Best regards,
Team BAF

20 Aug 2023 • 18:00 - 2100 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

Meet & Greet session with the Dance Maestro Tanusree Shankar and her team

Bondhugan,

As you might already know that Tanusree Shankar & Group will be performing in India day on 20th of August.

BAF has extended an invitation to the group to join the Bengali community in Finland for a RECEPTION and DINNER.

So, SAVE THE DATE for a MEET & GREET session with the Dance Maestro and her team.

Date: 20.08.2023 (Sunday)
Time: 1800 – 2100
Venue: Haukilahden Monitoimitalo, Toppelundintie 13 02170 Espoo

If you would like to join us, please fill up the form by 15.08.2023

https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/TS_meet-n-greet

Chanda/participatory contribution: 18+ yrs: 15€, 7 – 17 yrs: 12€, 0 – 6 yrs: FREE

Dinner Menu: Polao, Alu fulkopir tarkari, Veg item (for vegetarian people only), Chicken Korma, Rui Kalia, Gulabjam

Hope to see you all there.

Thanks & Regards,
Team BAF
P.S.: Please note that this is an OPEN EVENT.

5 Aug 2023 • 14:00 onwards EEST @ Pirttimäki Recreational Area Espoo

BAF Picnic Day 2023

Bondhugan,

BAF is happy to announce a PICNIC DAY outing @ Pirttimäki Recreational Area, Savupirtintie 3, 02740 Espoo

If you would like to join us, please fill up the form with no. of participants (for FOOD COUNT ONLY) by 22.07.2023

https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/baf-picnic-2023

BAF will sponsor some salad, potatoes, chips, soft drinks and sausages for lunch. You can also bring your own snacks.

Thanks & Regards,
Team BAF

4 Aug 2023 • 10:30 - 11:30 EEST @ Indian Embassy, Finland

Bengali Association of Finland's EC members met with the Ambassador of India to Finland.

It was a wonderful meet where discussion revolved around common concerns and words of encouragement from his excellency towards our activities. We look forward to the continued support of EOI going forward in the future.

13 May 2023 • 17:00-20:30 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

Rabindra-Nazrul Jayanti 2023

Bondhugan,

Bengali Association of Finland ry (BAF) would like to cordially invite you along with your family to celebrate RABINDRA–NAZRUL JAYANTI 2023 with Adda, Sangskritik sandhya, & Dinner

Please BLOCK YOUR CALENDAR

Date: 13.05.2023 (Saturday)
Time: 1700 – 2030
Venue: Haukilahden Monitoimitalo, Toppelundintie 13 02170 Espoo

Cultural Program: 1730 – 1930

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/BAF_info/RNJ2023
Registration deadline: 08.05.2023

Best regards,
Team BAF

16 Apr 2023 • 17:00-20:30 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

Poila Baishakh 2023

Bondhugan,

Bengali Association of Finland ry (BAF) would like to cordially invite you along with your families to celebrate BENGALI NEW YEAR with Adda, Sangskritik sandhya, Bhuri bhoj, Fun & Laughter together.

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!!!

Date:                         ​            16.04.2023 (Sunday)

Time:                         ​            1700 – 2030

Venue:                        ​         Haukilahden Monitoimitalo, Toppelundintie 13 02170 Espoo

Cultural Program:             1745 – 1915

Registration Link:             https://form.jotform.com/BAF_​info/poila-baishakh-2023

Registration deadline:    09.04.2023

Regards,

Team BAF

26 March 2023 • 15:00-17:00 EEST

BAF AGM 2023

Dear Members,

Soon we are going to complete our fourth year in Finland as a registered association. Thank you for your active support and patronage! We look forward to receiving the same in coming years as well. The 2023 AGM will be held on 26th March, Sunday, between 15:00-17:00. You need to renew your membership of BAF to be eligible to join the AGM. We have decided to hold the meeting in an online format. The meeting link will be shared later only to members.

We would also like to take this opportunity to collect proposals of any changes that are needed in the constitution. Please reply to this email with the proposed changes. Please mention the text in the constitution that needs to be changed along with the replacement text.

AGM agenda :

1. General Reporting & Financial statement: The incumbent EC will present the statement of activities, grant request made to the Indian Embassy, and balance sheet details for the year 2022.

2. Discussion regarding the 2023 calendar of events.

3. Membership Fees: Whether there is any need for changing the membership fee for 2024.

4. Idol storage/New Idol: Where do we store the current idol? Should we get a new idol?

5. Election of new EC: New EC for 2023 will be elected in the AGM. The EC will select a returning officer for conducting the election process. The members will receive a separate email from the returning officer regarding nomination of new EC members.

6. Necessary changes in the constitution.  Based on the proposal received from members the AGM will decide on the next steps and final outcome.

We hope to see you all at the AGM.

With thanks and regards,

BAF EC

Raj Kumar Pan

Prasenjit Seal

Suman Kumar Mukherjee

Mahima Gogia

Devjani Mukherjee

Ujjainee Ghosh

Subhabrita Kar

Here are our list of events for the year 2023

28 January 2023 • 11:00-16:00 EET@ Saunalahden Nuorisotila, ESPOO

BAF Saraswati Puja 2023

Dear Friends,

After a gap of two exceptional years, Bengali Association of Finland Ry would finally be celebrating BANI BANDANA with your family.

Registration to the event is mandatory and can be done here.

Schedule

1100-1130 Opening and Decoration
1130-1300 Puja
1300-1430 Lunch
1430-1545 Cultural event
1100-1600 Chaa & Adda

Anjali/Hatekhori @1230

Cheers,
Team BAF

5 November 2022 • 17:00-20:30 EET @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

BAF Bijaya Sammilani 2022

Bengali Association of Finland Ry celebrated Bijaya Sammilani on 5.11.2022.

The event was celebrated only amongst BAF members.

25 September 2022 • 17:30-20:30 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

BAF Mahalaya 2022

Bengali Association of Finland Ry celebrated the advent of DEBI PAKKSHYO or MAHALAYA on Sunday, 25.9.2022.

Owing to unforeseen circumstances, the event was celebrated only amongst members.

Call for the contribution to Srijan 2022

13 August 2022 • 15:00-17:30 EEST @ Lippulaiva Library, Espoonlahti; Room: Kajuutta

BAF Durga Puja meeting + EGM

Dear BAF members,

As Durga Puja is fast approaching we would like to invite all the BAF members for a face to face Durga Puja planning meeting. We will also like to utilize this opportunity to discuss some open items from the AGM. Hence, do consider this as the EGM invite too.

Agenda: Durga Puja Planning + EGM

• Venue
• Chanda
• Decoration
• Cultural Program
• Srijon
• Website Update
• Pujo responsibility+prasad
• Food & Catering
• Cleaning
• Shopping
• Idol transfer

Also, for those of you who did not cast their vote earlier, regarding the Durga pujo venue preference ; please do so latest by 7th August by clicking the link below:

https://forms.gle/​aYFcFefSYvZVkdue6

The voting options are as listed below:

• 3 days members only puja at Rastila (max capacity of 100)
• 3 days puja at EIS - @ an additional cost of 15 euros per person for venue.
• 2 days puja at EIS - @ an additional cost of 10 euros per person for venue.

Please do try to make it for the meeting. See you all soon.

Thanks & Regards,

Team BAF

11 June 2022 • 13:00 EEST onwards @ Pirttimäki, Espoo

BAF Picnic Day

Dear All,

Now that the sun is shining bright🤞🏼we would love to spend some time outdoors with all of you.

BAF is happy to announce a picnic day outing.

What we need from you : A Happy face ; BYOD (Bring your own food & drinks😑🍻🥤🌭🍓)

What we promise: A lot of fun 🥳💃

Registration: If you would like to join us on our day out please register by sending an email to culture@bafin.fi with no: of participants by 4th June.

Disclaimer: If the Finnish weather surprises us at the last minute there might be a need to change the date. But lets hope for the best 🤞🏼

Thanks & Regards,
Team BAF

15 May 2022 • 17:00-19:30 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

Rabindra Jayanti

Dear Friends,

BAF is organizing the Rabindra Jayanti event on 15th May 2022, Sunday.

If you wish to attend the event please register by sending an email to culture@bafin.fi with the number of attendees according to the age groups,
i.e. > 13 years, 6-12 years and < 5 years

Last date for registration is 10th May 2022.

Thanks & Regards,
Team BAF

14 May 2022 • 15:00-17:00 EEST @ Zoom

BAF AGM 2022

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 996 709 6410

Dear Members,

Very soon we are going to complete our third year in Finland as a registered association. Thank you for your active support and patronage! We look forward to receiving the same in coming years as well. Unfortunately our f2f activities were hampered during the COVID-19 period and we are slowly coming out of it now. We have decided to hold the 2022 AGM still in virtual mode on 14th May, Saturday, between 15:00-17:00. You need to renew your membership of BAF to be eligible to join the AGM. You will receive another email from our Treasurer on the payment details and reference numebr to use for the membership fee. The link to join the online meeting will be shared later only to members.

AGM agenda :

1. General Reporting & Financial statement: The incumbent EC will present the statement of activities, grant request made to the Indian Embassy, and balance sheet details for the year 2021.

2. Membership Fees: If there is any need for changing the membership fee or not.

3. Programme proposal for the remaining period of the year.

4. Discussion about constitution and changes required.

5. Election of new EC: A new EC for 2022 will be elected in the AGM. The AGM should decide if we continue with the  EC structure for the next period with 5 or 7 members in the EC i.e., should we again have 2 general members or not.  We are inviting nominations from the BAF members for all the positions. You can nominate yourself, any other BAF member or existing EC member(s) for any of the positions. However, one person can nominate one BAF member for a single position only. The BAF members' names can be found from the circulation list of this Email. Please submit your nominations by 10th May 2022 through a separate link which will be sent later.  Please remember your nominee should be an existing BAF member. In case the nominee does not renew his/her membership before the AGM, his/her candidature will be disqualified.

The voting process will be conducted by Shantimoy Chakraborty as the Returning Officer.

We hope to see you all in the AGM. Take care, stay healthy, stay safe!!

With thanks and regards,

BAF EC

Indrajit Chaudhuri (President)

Suman Chowdhury (Secretary)

Subhasish Ghosh (Treasurer)

Mahima Gogia (Cultural)

Palash Mukhopadhyay (Literature)

24 Apr 2022 • 17:00-20:00 EEST @ Haukilahden monitoimitalo Espoo

Poila Baishakh

Now that the sun is shining bright, the Covid situation looks a little better and the restrictions have been eased ; BAF is happy to organize our next physical/face to face event on the occasion of Poila Baishakh.

Hope to see you and your young ones there on 24th. Regards, BAF.

24 Jan 2021 • 16:00-18:00 EET @ Zoom

BAF AGM 2021

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 925 8529 9164
Passcode: 198540

Lets have our AGM (Annual General Meeting) for 2021 on 24th January 2021, Sunday from 16:00-18:00 EET. In the AGM we will discuss & decide on the following (but not limited to) topics:

1. Discuss & approve Audited(internally) balance sheet for 2020
2. Decide on the membership fees for 2021, and following which new membership and existing one's renewal for 2021 will start.
3. Discuss and agree on the 2021 calendar of events, including Saraswati Puja in February.
4. Decide on the continuity/election of EC for 2021 - the last AGM held in August 2020 elected a new EC and left the matter to be discussed and agreed in the AGM for 2021. In case the AGM decides to have a new EC, elections will be held and responsibilities handed over by February 2021.

Shall any member wish to introduce additional topic to AGM, can do so by replying by email: secretary@bafin.fi, latest one day prior to the AGM.

Due to Covid-19 precautions and following recommendation from authorities, AGM 2021 shall be conducted via Online Zoom Meeting.

Participations:

• All existing EC members 2021 - Mandatory.
• All BAF members - Mandatory.

With thanks and regards,

BAF EC

Indrajit Chaudhuri (President)

Suman Chowdhury (Secretary)

Subhasish Ghosh (Treasurer)

Mahima Gogia (Cultural)

Palash Mukhopadhyay (Literature)

29 Nov 2020 • 18:00-18:45 EET

Discussions on BAF activities, publishing new website & Srijan

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 932 4225 5240
Passcode: 421893

You are invited to join a general meeting of BAF on 29th Nov 2020. In the meeting, we will focus on discussing what we have done so far, and plan with you on what else we can do in the future to work towards the mission described in our constitution. This is an open session, not limited to BAF members only, and anyone interested in our activities can join.

Hope to see you and your young ones there on 29th. Regards, BAF.

29 Nov 2020 • 18:45-19:30 EET

Quantum Computing in Finland — Dr. Himadri Majumder

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 932 4225 5240
Passcode: 421893

Dr. Himadri Majumder, a well known and long time friend of ours has been working in VTT on something very exciting for the future of computing - building the first Quantum Computer for Finland, as announced this week to media and press. And as computing touches our everyday lives today, and more in future, we would love to hear from Himadri about what QC is, how it will affect our lives in future, and what Finland is doing about it!

Himadri is a fantastic storyteller, and we are sure that even without a technical background we can still feel excited about the future with Quantum Computers :)

1 Nov 2020 • 4:30 pm EET

Musical evening with Chandrobindu

Bengali Association of Finland (BAF) takes great pleasure in co-sponsoring, An evening with Chandrabindu, together with Adda. Join us for the live interactive concert on 1st November 2020, Sunday, at 4:30 pm EET (Finland Time).