As the crisp October air signals the arrival of autumn in London, the Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF), a UK-based charity, is gearing up for one of the most significant occasions in its cultural calendar — the London Sharad Utsav (LSU). Started in 2009 with 12 families keen on recreating the flavour and feel of Kolkata’s Durga Puja in the English capital, LSU has evolved into one of the best-attended probashi pujas in the world. This year, the celebrations will take place at the Pitzhanger Manor, a heritage building in Ealing (a district in West London), between October 11 and 14, uniting Bengalis from all over the UK through the spirit of the goddess, alongside a plethora of activities dedicated to art, culture and community.
“This year’s LSU promises to be the biggest and most vibrant Durga Puja celebration Europe has ever seen. As we bring the grandeur of Durga Puja to the heart of London at Pitzhanger Manor, we invite everyone to join us in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, where tradition meets festivity on an unprecedented scale. Together, let’s make this the most memorable Sharad Utsav yet!” shared Aniket Patro, operations lead for LSU. For 2024, LSU will incorporate illumination from Chandernagore, with the region’s famous lights transforming the venue into a dazzling exhibition.
A special artwork on Durga symbolising the global and the local
(Left) Tamojit Bhattacharya’s artwork for LSU; (right) BHF’s Parboni magazine
Another highlight at LSU is a special art installation by Kolkata-based artist Tamojit Bhattacharya. Commissioned by BHF, Bhattacharya’s work captures the anguish of recent global and local events, from the RG Kar incident in Kolkata to other tragedies that have shaken communities worldwide. Bhattacharya’s depiction of Durga, post-bisarjan (immersion), reflects a collective sorrow, with her eyes ablaze with rage and disbelief. However, the painting is not entirely devoid of hope. “Bhattacharya’s brush reassures viewers that the battle between good and evil is ongoing, and that good will eventually triumph — a message particularly fitting for these tumultuous times,” described BHF. This powerful image will also be on the cover of BHF’s annual Parboni magazine, an award-winning publication that includes contributions from the likes of historian William Dalrymple, filmmaker Suman Ghosh and TV and radio host Mir Afsar Ali in its latest edition. Earlier in 2024, Parboni, which serves as a “living bridge” between cultures, earned the “Silver Winner” title in the CSR pro bono category at the MUSE Creative Awards.
As always, LSU will be stacked with a lineup of cultural functions across the four days of celebration, including Benche Thakar Gaan, a musical journey comprising songs of rebellion, modern Bengali tunes, and band music performed by singers from London’s Bengali community. Kheyal Khusi, with performances by the next generation; Ghungroo, a blend of Indian classical and contemporary dances; Rang De Basanti, an evening of Bollywood hits; a dhaak-dhunuchi competition; quizzes; antakshari; and more make up the rest of the cultural itinerary.
From badminton and football to tributes to Tagores
BHF’s badminton event proved to be particularly enjoyable for kids
While LSU marks BHF’s flagship event, a whole host of activities have dotted BHF’s 2024 calendar so far. One of BHF’s standout initiatives earlier this year was the ‘Badminton Battle’ in February. Held at Kingsbury High School in Brent, London, this lively tournament saw 58 participants across three categories — men’s, women’s and kids’ doubles. Under the theme ‘Stay Healthy, Stay Happy’, the day provided a joyful opportunity for participants to stay active and connect with fellow community members. Winners and runners-up were awarded trophies, while every child participant went home with a personalised medal, a testament to the inclusive spirit that defines BHF.
FC Goa came out on top in BHF’s annual football competition
Adding to its sports quotient, BHF organised the annual Indian Superfans’ League UK in July, with eight fan teams representing Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, including East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SuperGiants. The tournament drew 125 players, with FC Goa emerging victorious for the second year in a row. Alongside the ISL teams, a parallel I-League UK competition involved teams from the high commission of India and Indian Arrows FC, with the high commission taking home the championship title.
BHF members pay tribute to Rabindranath Tagore
Moving from sports to the arts, BHF hosted a Rabindra Jayanti celebration in May, honouring the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. Held at the Nehru Centre in London in collaboration with the high commission of India, this event brought together a diverse audience, uniting Indian and Bangladeshi communities through music, dance and drama. Performances by Bengali musicians captivated the audience and traditional Bengali dances further enriched the cultural experience. In June, BHF partnered with SOAS University of London and The Tagore Centre for an evening called “Rabindranath Tagore’s Vision: Freedom Through Song, Poetry, and Painting”. This was an exploration of Tagore's artistic expressions of freedom, highlighting his contributions to modernism and humanism through his paintings and poetry. Featuring performances by Tanusree Guha and readings by Sanjay Dasgupta and Amit Guha, the programme beautifully illustrated the connection between Tagore’s art and his philosophy, demonstrating his enduring relevance in today’s world.
A panel discussion on Dwarkanath Tagore at the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry
August saw BHF pay tribute to another Tagore — Dwarkanath Tagore. A special event, organised in collaboration with the British deputy high commission and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I), commemorated Tagore’s contributions to Indo-British trade and entrepreneurship in the 19th century. Held in Kolkata, the afternoon involved discussions on Tagore’s pioneering business ventures and his progressive social reforms.
Film screenings: BHF’s Summer of Bengali Cinema
Aparna Sen and Srijit Mukherji at the BHF screening of '36 Chowringhee Lane'
This year also marked BHF’s strong focus on celluloid as part of ‘BHF’s Summer of Bengali Cinema’. In March, BHF’s Cine Club presented the exclusive international theatrical release of Suman Ghosh’s Kabuliwala, a heartwarming adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, at Reel Cinemas Borehamwood. This was followed by the premiere of Srijit Mukherji’s Oti Uttam at Courthouse Cinemas Soho in July. Both screenings were well received by Londoners, with audiences celebrating the storytelling and visual mastery of Bengali filmmakers. The highlight of the Oti Uttam premiere was the presence of director Srijit Mukherji, who engaged with fans, adding a personal touch to proceedings.
In parallel, BHF also launched an Aparna Sen retrospective in July, showcasing three iconic films by the director. The retrospective kicked off with a screening of The Japanese Wife at the Nehru Centre, which saw a packed audience. Following the screening, a Q&A session was held with Sen herself, alongside Kunal Basu, the author whose book (of the same name) inspired the movie. This session gave audiences a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the film. The second film in the retrospective was Paromitar Ek Din, a poignant depiction of a woman’s journey, which was screened at Cine Lumiere. The retrospective concluded with a screening of Sen’s 36 Chowringhee Lane, also held at Cine Lumiere, where actor Karan Kapoor was awarded a special recognition for his contributions to the film and Indian media.
Beyond Durga Puja, BHF’s events throughout the year have enhanced the cultural bond between India and the UK, fostering a strong sense of regional pride among Bengalis in the UK.
