ACTIVITIES
Quick Glimpse
ALL YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES
BIJOYA DASHAMI
Bijoya Dashami, celebration In Oikyotan, marks the crescendo of six days of fervent jubilation. As the divine idols are immersed, the members of the club converge, their hearts laden with emotions, yet their spirits alight with elation. Men engage in spirited kolakoli, their voices resonating like thunder, while women exchange warm greetings, their foreheads still adorned with the fiery hues of vermillion. All members gather, reminiscing about the vivacious festivities of the past half-dozen days and fervently charting their course for the year ahead. Amidst this symphony of memories and aspirations, all partake in delectable sweets for Mishti Mukh, each bite a celebration in itself. And then the much awaited “Preeti Bhoj” an opulent banquet featuring the finest Bengali cuisine, a sumptuous feast to culminate the splendid tapestry of Bijoya Dashami’s resplendent saga.
LokKHI PUJO
As the drum beats of Durga Puja recede, the Oikyotaan club ignites with vibrant celebration, once again to celebrate Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, the silvery luminescence of the Sharad Purnima night. This auspicious occasion, synonymous with opulence and prosperity, resonates with a symphony of devotion and tradition. The air is thick with devotion, woven into the threads of their attire and the beats of their hearts. The goddess Laxmi, the bestower of wealth and fortune, becomes the focal point of their collective adoration. Following the soul-stirring puja, a feast fit for celestial beings is laid out—an extravagant bhog that tantalizes the senses and satiates the spirit. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies mingles with the sweet scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled bliss.
KALI PUJO
Amidst the grandeur of Diwali’s luminous festival of lights, Bengal dances to a different rhythm, for it coincides with the divine celebration of Kali Puja. In line with this tradition, the Oikyotan community worships the goddess Kali in the resplendent, time-honored Brahminical form. As the night unfolds, the sky becomes an ethereal canvas, painted with the vibrant hues of lights and the sparkling bursts of crackers. The women of Oikyotan, gather with an unwavering fervour to perform the puja till the wee hours of dawn. Meanwhile, men and children of Oikyotan keep the spirits soaring high, igniting a symphony of lovely fireworks that burst forth in a mesmerizing tribute to the formidable goddess Kali. With the dawn of a new day, the community reconvenes, their hearts lightened by the divine presence of Kali. A sumptuous Bhog, a feast for the soul, is laid out. Laughter and banter fill the air as the goddess is prepared for her adieu and the final immersion.
SARASWATI PUJO
At Oikyotan, our hearts beat with devotion as we celebrate Saraswati Puja, a tribute to the Hindu goddess of learning, Saraswati. Known as Vasant Panchami, this celebration resonates deeply within our community. In the soft light of dawn, students alongside their mothers, embrace the sacred Puja, a pure and sincere connection with the goddess. For the youngest learners, on the threshold of their educational journey, the priest imparts the Hathe Khodi, a gesture that symbolizes a lifetime of fruitful learning. Once the Puja concludes, we come together for a feast—the Bhog—a ritual that nourishes not only our bodies but also our souls. It’s a heartfelt offering to the divine. As the sun sets and the day turns to night, Oikyotan members reassemble at the Puja grounds. Here, in a spontaneous and sincere gesture, we showcase our culture, talents, and creativity through a heartfelt cultural show.
BENGALI NEW YEAR
Rooted in the Indian solar calendar, guided by the sacred Surya Siddhanta, Bengali Hindus mark the cherished date of 15th April as Poila Boishakh, their New Year. At Oikyotaan, this day summons the community to gather in unity, where the heartwarming tradition of “Baithaki adda” takes center stage. Clad in fresh, vibrant attire, they exchange heartfelt greetings of “Shubho Nobobarsho.”
As the sun sets, a crescendo of flavors and camaraderie fills the air. The day culminates in a sumptuous 5-course feast, an ode to the culinary treasures of Bengal.
PICNIC
With winter’s arrival, Bengal sheds its sultry shroud and awakens with vibrant energy. A picnic with friends and family is a winter ritual in Bengal. Oikyotaan, true to its tradition, organises an annual picnic at resorts or intriguing locales, Members embark on a day of camaraderie indulging in a plethora of activities from sports to lively trivia games, including the melodic charm of antaakshari and the grace of dance.
Amidst the laughter and friendly banter, friendships deepen, and hearts intertwine. It’s a day of soulful connections, filled with the music of conversations and the rhythm of shared laughter. The air is filled not only with the excitement of games but also with the aroma of gastronomic delights that satiate both the body and the soul.
Charity
In 2024, celebrating our 13th year, Oikyotaan club remains steadfast in its mission. We persistently uphold the torch of cultural heritage and nurture the flame of philanthropy. The trust, an unwavering pillar of support, extends its hand to those in need, echoing our enduring commitment to create a positive ripple within our community and far beyond.
Our charitable endeavors encompass projects aimed at alleviating poverty, kindling the light of education, and providing essential sustenance, including clothing and nourishment, to the less fortunate. With each act of kindness, we strive to transform lives, for within our commitment to culture lies an unwavering dedication to the welfare of all.
ALL YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES
BIJOYA DASHAMI
Bijoya Dashami, celebration In Oikyotan, marks the crescendo of six days of fervent jubilation. As the divine idols are immersed, the members of the club converge, their hearts laden with emotions, yet their spirits alight with elation. Men engage in spirited kolakoli, their voices resonating like thunder, while women exchange warm greetings, their foreheads still adorned with the fiery hues of vermillion. All members gather, reminiscing about the vivacious festivities of the past half-dozen days and fervently charting their course for the year ahead. Amidst this symphony of memories and aspirations, all partake in delectable sweets for Mishti Mukh, each bite a celebration in itself. And then the much awaited “Preeti Bhoj” an opulent banquet featuring the finest Bengali cuisine, a sumptuous feast to culminate the splendid tapestry of Bijoya Dashami’s resplendent saga.
LokKHI PUJO
As the drum beats of Durga Puja recede, the Oikyotaan club ignites with vibrant celebration, once again to celebrate Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, the silvery luminescence of the Sharad Purnima night. This auspicious occasion, synonymous with opulence and prosperity, resonates with a symphony of devotion and tradition. The air is thick with devotion, woven into the threads of their attire and the beats of their hearts. The goddess Laxmi, the bestower of wealth and fortune, becomes the focal point of their collective adoration. Following the soul-stirring puja, a feast fit for celestial beings is laid out—an extravagant bhog that tantalizes the senses and satiates the spirit. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies mingles with the sweet scent of incense, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled bliss.
KALI PUJO
Amidst the grandeur of Diwali’s luminous festival of lights, Bengal dances to a different rhythm, for it coincides with the divine celebration of Kali Puja. In line with this tradition, the Oikyotan community worships the goddess Kali in the resplendent, time-honored Brahminical form. As the night unfolds, the sky becomes an ethereal canvas, painted with the vibrant hues of lights and the sparkling bursts of crackers. The women of Oikyotan, gather with an unwavering fervour to perform the puja till the wee hours of dawn. Meanwhile, men and children of Oikyotan keep the spirits soaring high, igniting a symphony of lovely fireworks that burst forth in a mesmerizing tribute to the formidable goddess Kali. With the dawn of a new day, the community reconvenes, their hearts lightened by the divine presence of Kali. A sumptuous Bhog, a feast for the soul, is laid out. Laughter and banter fill the air as the goddess is prepared for her adieu and the final immersion.
SARASWATI PUJO
At Oikyotan, our hearts beat with devotion as we celebrate Saraswati Puja, a tribute to the Hindu goddess of learning, Saraswati. Known as Vasant Panchami, this celebration resonates deeply within our community. In the soft light of dawn, students alongside their mothers, embrace the sacred Puja, a pure and sincere connection with the goddess. For the youngest learners, on the threshold of their educational journey, the priest imparts the Hathe Khodi, a gesture that symbolizes a lifetime of fruitful learning. Once the Puja concludes, we come together for a feast—the Bhog—a ritual that nourishes not only our bodies but also our souls. It’s a heartfelt offering to the divine. As the sun sets and the day turns to night, Oikyotan members reassemble at the Puja grounds. Here, in a spontaneous and sincere gesture, we showcase our culture, talents, and creativity through a heartfelt cultural show.
BENGALI NEW YEAR
Rooted in the Indian solar calendar, guided by the sacred Surya Siddhanta, Bengali Hindus mark the cherished date of 15th April as Poila Boishakh, their New Year. At Oikyotaan, this day summons the community to gather in unity, where the heartwarming tradition of “Baithaki adda” takes center stage. Clad in fresh, vibrant attire, they exchange heartfelt greetings of “Shubho Nobobarsho.”
As the sun sets, a crescendo of flavors and camaraderie fills the air. The day culminates in a sumptuous 5-course feast, an ode to the culinary treasures of Bengal.
PICNIC
With winter’s arrival, Bengal sheds its sultry shroud and awakens with vibrant energy. A picnic with friends and family is a winter ritual in Bengal. Oikyotaan, true to its tradition, organises an annual picnic at resorts or intriguing locales, Members embark on a day of camaraderie indulging in a plethora of activities from sports to lively trivia games, including the melodic charm of antaakshari and the grace of dance.
Amidst the laughter and friendly banter, friendships deepen, and hearts intertwine. It’s a day of soulful connections, filled with the music of conversations and the rhythm of shared laughter. The air is filled not only with the excitement of games but also with the aroma of gastronomic delights that satiate both the body and the soul.
Charity
In 2023, celebrating our 12th year, Oikyotaan club remains steadfast in its mission. We persistently uphold the torch of cultural heritage and nurture the flame of philanthropy. The trust, an unwavering pillar of support, extends its hand to those in need, echoing our enduring commitment to create a positive ripple within our community and far beyond.
Our charitable endeavors encompass projects aimed at alleviating poverty, kindling the light of education, and providing essential sustenance, including clothing and nourishment, to the less fortunate. With each act of kindness, we strive to transform lives, for within our commitment to culture lies an unwavering dedication to the welfare of all.