Mumbai: The 4th edition of Sarbojanin Durgotsav at Swagat Park was successfully inaugurated by Maitree Cultural Association on Wednesday. On the occasion of Shubho Shasti, an array of visitors, including celebrities, graced the event with their presence.


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Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Basu and music director Pritam Chakraborty’s mother were also present during the same. These esteemed guests did the auspicious Deep Prajwalan, which signifies the celebration of 'good over evil' and annihilating the darkness of ignorance and hatred, with the gracious blessings of Maa Durga.


The center piece of the day was a scintillating performance by “Saptasur”, which means the seven notes in Bengali, a well-known group which brings forward a mellifluous and eclectic mix of Bengali and Hindi songs accompanied by popular folk dances.
 
One of the unique features of the puja happens to be the 'sit-down' pure vegetarian delicious traditional Bengali Bhog Lunch, which is absolutely free. It is served and personally supervised by all the Executive members of the Puja committee, on all the three days of Maha Shaptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Nabami. Bonhomie is witnessed among devotees who sit for the bhog. 
 
Also, Maitree Cultural Association received special Durgapuja greetings from Hon President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, stating the message that “Durga Puja is also a festival that cherishes the love we feel for the daughters in our families.“
 
Speaking on the occasion Mr Shyamashis Bhattacharya, Founder and President of Maitree Cultural Association, said, “We not only usher in the celebrative mood of this flagship festival but we also, right from our inception in 2014 , always stand by and support the causes for a cohesive community building  by providing a very unique platform to exhibit the noble initiatives and also the wonderful crafts made by several NGOs like Goonj, Kalyani Charitable Trust, Sashi Mangalyam Education Society this year. On receiving affirmative responses from the masses in our previous editions, we are looking forward to see more enthusiastic visitors in the coming days to support our causes.” 


Filmmaker Anurag Basu jubilantly said, “Durgotsav is such a beautiful time of the year, festive spirits bring friends and family together binding everyone culturally. It is festival that celebrates the core strength of womanhood and displays the various roles a woman can successfully render with endurance and honour.”
 
Mr Subhankar Dutt summed it up by saying, “The core ethos of the Durgotsav is to keep the traditional charm of the story behind it alive, where the Mother Goddess Durga visits her parental home this time of the year, all the way from Mahadev’s abode Kailash, along with her four children, which then ushers in a magical environment of exuberance, great positivity, bonding with all ages, spreading love and warmth, following some very interesting customs and rituals and of course a time for grand celebration for one and all.”
 
Maitree Cultural Association (MCA) is a non-profit organization, formed in 2014 with the intention of enhancing cultural, artistic and social experience through activities which in turn will build a conscientious generation next.