BSP annual picnic is a long-standing tradition dating back more than forty years. The coach trip is a popular summertime event which the entire community looks forward to and what better way to ring in the summer than by getting together with friends, taking a coach and going away for a day to explore the scenic richness of Scotland. The destinations are often the beautiful locales of Highlands. However, with so many Bangalis confined to a small space, the journey becomes much more interesting than the destination. No Bengali event is complete without traditional food and our day out is no exception.

The journey begins with traditional Bengali ‘jolkhaabar’ followed by non-stop ‘antakshari’ and Tambola onboard and frequent tea and coffee breaks. The luncheon often comprises of local fish and chips. The day is spent in the company of friends with more ‘adda’, leisurely walks and soaking up the sun. Previous destinations included Oban, Lake District, St Andrews, Mugdock Park, Galloway Forest Park, Loudoun Castle, Loch Katrine etc.

We know that Vijaya Dashami is celebrated in different ways around the world but in Glasgow, BSP celebrates Ma Durga's victory in full 'bangali style'. We start with 'debi boron' in traditional attire, and we send off our beloved Ma on her journey back home coloured in the auspicious red of vermilion. Everyone is welcome to join the 'SidurKhela' fun, share celebratory sweets and indulge in a bit of joyful hugging. Once the rituals are over, we all settle down for some good old cultural enrichment. Last year we had a DJ and we all went a little bit crazy on the dance floor! We also organise a 'BijoyaSammelani' after Durga Puja for some extended partying with more singing and dancing from local talent (both young and old), occasionally invited guest performances, and sometimes quiz competitions and other fun events - all followed of course by delicious food. So please come and celebrate the defeat of all evil with us in Glasgow, which is the home of Scotland's oldest Durga Puja.Placeholder Image

Ten years after a small band of young professional Bengalis in Glasgow set up BSP (BangiyaSanskritikParishad), some of them ventured boldly to bring home what they missed the most about their homeland – the Durga Puja.

In 1981, BSP Glasgow hosted its first-ever SarbajaninDurgotsav (Durga Puja for everybody). The committee members comprised Mr Pulak Mukherjee, Mr Dipen Mukherjee, Mr Satyen Mukherjee, Mr NiharBanerjee , Mr TarapadaSain, Mrs Leena Mukherjee and Mr Ashok Banerjee (priest). Mrs Mridula Chakraborty, Mrs Sheela Mukherjee, Mr Bishwanath Sinha, Mr ShyamalMajumdar and many others have been closely involved and supported the Durga Puja for many years.Placeholder Image

February arrives and Ma Saraswati gets on her swan
It's time to fly to Glasgow – the new
year of BSP festivals has begun!
Time to bless the little Scottish
Indian cuties and their books
Time for the basanti coloured ones to show off their good looks!
And of course we must together eat
Because it's Bengali food which no one can beat!

Among the multitude of functions and programs that we hold. The "Adda" held on 28th April 2019 was an unique event, to celebrate Poila Baisakh, the bengali new year.

We saw a host of families pulling in a stupendous effort and rustle up savouries and sweets from the streets of Kolkata.

The atmosphere was relaxed and fete like. Bringing up nostalgic memories from our bygone school or college days.

A lovely "ghoroa" program followed where our talented younger generation performed to lively music, sang melodious tunes and recited poems. Games like quiz for adults and kids alike and Tambola saw some enthusiastic participants.

It was an event which had a good turnout. We look forward to hosting more such Adda sessions in the future.