Airoli: Exquisite traditional Bengali Alpona art, vibrant cultural showcases, and extensive community welfare drives mark the 34th Durga Puja celebrations organised by the Airoli Bengali Association (ABA), running from October 14 to 21.

The festivities commenced on October 15 with an inauguration by Swami Atmashraddhanandaji of the Ramakrishna Mission, Khar. Demonstrating its commitment to youth empowerment, the association honoured 22 meritorious local students who excelled in their Class X and XII board examinations.

Following a five-year hiatus, ABA has returned to its original venue at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Ground in Sector 15, adjacent to the Ambedkar Memorial Bhavan in Airoli.

This year’s thematic pandal pays rich tribute to Bengal’s indigenous folk art. Eleven in-house artists spent weeks transforming traditional motifs into a massive visual gallery, crafting 140 hand-painted canvases, 50 decorative dalas (bamboo baskets), and 50 circular installations. Preparations originally began with the auspicious Khuti Puja on September 20.

The cultural lineup features a performance by the Kranti Jyoti Adivasi Mahila Sanghatana from Karjat, a children's art contest, and a headlining concert by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Ayush Gupta on Navami night. Philanthropic initiatives include free health and eye check-up camps, food distribution for over 500 orphaned and underprivileged children, and a specialised meal drive for financially challenged cancer patients on Maha Ashtami.

“Beyond the festivities, ABA continues to pursue two landmark initiatives: the construction of the Maa Durga Mandir at Sector 8A, Airoli, which is nearing completion, and ‘Home for Humanity’, a proposed charitable shelter for financially disadvantaged cancer patients, including children, and their attendants,” said Dipanjan Dutta, president of the association.

The association’s sustained efforts to preserve Bengali cultural heritage while strengthening inter-community bonds have earned official commendations and festive greetings from the Chief Ministers of both Maharashtra and West Bengal.