Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

From Friday 16 to Tuesday 20 October 2026, the Luxembourg Durgotsav Association (LuxUtsav) held its eighth annual Durga Puja festival at Salle Um Duerf in Itzig, bringing together members of Luxembourg's Indian community and also visitors from other cultural backgrounds.

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsav, is an annual Hindu festival originating in the Indian subcontinent, particularly celebrated in West Bengal. It honours the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival also celebrates the goddess's annual homecoming, representing family reunions and togetherness.

For the opening ceremony on Friday, more than 70 people attended the event. Many dressed in colourful traditional Indian attire, including “sarees” and “kurtas”.

The atmosphere was festive, with guests greeting one another, chatting and gathering around the decorated ceremonial area. 

The venue also featured a dedicated food terrace, where eight local restaurants and food partners offered dishes from different regions of India.

Children of various ages also attended in traditional clothing, while two young boys took to the stage to open the event.

Taking the stage at the opening ceremony, LuxUtsav President Rahul Dey recalled how the celebrations began as a “modest gathering with an ambitious dream”. He also highlighted this year's decorations, featuring the traditional Bengali colours of red and white, symbolising purity and divine “shakti” (feminine energy). The ceremonial installation, known as a “pandal”, incorporated traditional Bengali “shola art” and “kash phool”.

"None of this materialised with magic. It has been possible with the help of our members and also the help of our volunteers," he said, thanking those who had dedicated their time to organising the festival.

During the opening evening, visitors enjoyed cultural performances, food and conversations, while others participated in religious ceremonies, led by the association's priest, Timir.

Speaking with Chronicle.lu, LuxUtsav representative Richa Agarwala explained that the festival extends beyond its religious significance, bringing together different aspects of Bengali culture.

"Culture is a mix of food, of the colours, the kind of clothes that we wear, the kind of music we listen to," she said, adding: “Art and cinema also form part of the celebration”.

She explained that the association aims to recreate a sense of home for members of the Indian community living abroad. "When we step away from home, we look for a flavour of our home wherever we go," she said.

Richa Agarwala also spoke about the traditional clothing worn during the festivities, explaining that many participants bring their garments from India. These include Bengali silks, Banarasi silk and handwoven fabrics featuring intricate embroidery, alongside traditional jewellery.

According to her, approximately 50 families contribute to organising the festival, with preparations for cultural performances beginning months in advance.

The remaining days of the festival featured religious rituals, classical and Bollywood dance performances, live music, theatre, children's activities and a fashion show. The programme also included performances by Luxembourg-based artists, with children and adults from different cultural backgrounds participating together. The guests participated in prayers and attended children's creative activities, including drawing and fancy-dress events.

On Sunday 18 October 2026, Indian Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union Pranay Verma attended the celebrations with his wife, Manu Verma. They were joined by Honorary Consul General of India in Luxembourg Selvaraj Alagumalai and his wife, Sujata Selvaraj.

The celebrations concluded on Tuesday with “Sindoor Khela”, a traditional ceremony involving the application of red vermilion, marking the farewell to Durga and the anticipation of her return the following year.

According to the organisers, after Friday, this year’s festival attracted approximately 200 visitors per day, with participants travelling from Luxembourg and neighbouring countries.

The association collaborated with Rise Against Cancer Luxembourg to raise awareness of cancer prevention, screening and well-being, alongside activities for families and children.