The Durga Puja festival holds immense emotional significance for Bengalis and Indians worldwide, recently acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Festival. In Slough, the organization Adda achieved considerable success by orchestrating the Kali Puja since 2014. Building on this achievement, Adda, with the collective efforts of its members, initiated the inaugural Durga Puja in 2019.

Distinguished for its unique presentation—featuring a Bengal-style pandal in an open ground and a central theme of ‘adda’ (chitchat) adjacent to the pandal at Maddox Square on the premises of Slough Cricket Club—the event resonated remarkably well with devotees. The ambiance and offerings, including authentic Indian food available for purchase, created an environment that transported attendees from London to the heart of Kolkata. The event’s success was further solidified when Adda received the esteemed “Best Durga Puja in UK 2019” award.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent UK lockdown, Adda took a unique initiative to positively impact the mental well-being of the population. Understanding the significance of the auspicious day of Maha Ashtami during the Durga Puja, Adda organized an online pushpanjali over Zoom. This innovative approach garnered significant attendance and received highly encouraging feedback via social media channels. Despite the prevailing grief and sadness, people felt a sense of positivity through this initiative.

Moving into 2021, with permissions granted for large-scale events, Adda, as a recognized charitable organization, remained committed to its societal responsibilities. Acknowledging the immense impact of the COVID pandemic on lives and livelihoods, Adda themed its Durga Puja as the “Gate of Joy,” inspired by Kolkata’s reputation as the “City of Joy.” Moreover, to enhance the Bengali cultural experience during the festival, Adda hosted live cooking sessions on-site with vendors from Kolkata, India, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. This initiative aimed not only to elevate the “Bengali” essence during the event but also served as a humble effort to foster a bond between the two Bengals transcending borders. The event witnessed an average daily footfall of around 3000-4000 people, accumulating an overall attendance of approximately 12,000 individuals throughout the festival.

In our continuous pursuit of enhancement and uniqueness, Adda aims to make 2022 an exceptionally special year. The idols for this year’s celebration have been sourced from West Bengal and are the largest in size among all the celebrations throughout the UK. Devotees can expect a magnificent spectacle and an extraordinary experience.