You can view pictures of Durga Puja and learn more about the activities of Jakarta Bengali Association here at their website. (the website is inactive)
Durga Puja In Southeast Asia
Durga Puja, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the
worship of Goddess Durga, is primarily celebrated in India, especially in the
eastern states of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Tripura.
However, due to migration patterns and the Indian diaspora, Durga Puja is also
celebrated in various parts of Southeast Asia where there are significant
Indian communities.
Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have sizable
Hindu populations and celebrate Durga Puja with much fervor. In Southeast Asia,
countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand also have Indian
communities who celebrate Durga Puja. In these countries, the celebration often
mirrors the elaborate rituals and traditions observed in India.
In Singapore, for example, Durga Puja is celebrated with
great enthusiasm by the Indian community. The festival usually includes
prayers, cultural programs, and elaborate rituals performed at local temples or
community centers. Similarly, in Malaysia, particularly in cities like Kuala
Lumpur and Penang, Durga Puja is celebrated by the Indian community with
traditional rituals, music, dance, and feasting.
Thailand also has a small but vibrant Indian community that
celebrates Durga Puja. In Bangkok and other Thai cities with Indian
populations, Durga Puja is observed with prayers, cultural events, and
traditional Bengali cuisine.
While the scale and grandeur of Durga Puja celebrations in
Southeast Asia may not match those in India, the festival remains an important
occasion for the Indian diaspora to connect with their cultural roots and
celebrate together as a community.