ACTIVITIES
Quick Glimpse
MAHALAYA PRABHATI ANUSTHAN
ALIMPON
ANONDOMELA
FUN GAMES
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
PUSHPANJALI
BHOG
SANDHI PUJA
KUMARI PUJA
SINDUR KHELA
ALL YEAR ROUND ACTIVITIES
BIJOYA DASHAMI
Bijoya Dashami, the celebration at Oikyotan, marks the crescendo of six days of fervent jubilation. As the divine idols are immersed, members of the club converge, their hearts laden with emotion, 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 six 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 comes the much-awaited “Preeti Bhoj”, an opulent banquet featuring the finest Bengali cuisine, a sumptuous feast that culminates the splendid tapestry of Bijoya Dashami’s resplendent saga.
LokKHI PUJO
As the drumbeats of Durga Puja recede, Oikyotan Club once again comes alive with vibrant celebration to mark Kojagari Lakshmi Puja – the silvery luminescence of the Sharad Purnima night. This auspicious occasion, synonymous with abundance and prosperity, resonates with a symphony of devotion and tradition. The air is thick with devotion, woven into the threads of their attire and reflected in the beats of their hearts. Goddess Lakshmi, 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 tantalises the senses and satiates the spirit. The aroma of freshly prepared delicacies mingles with the sweet fragrance of incense, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled bliss.
KALI PUJO
Amidst the grandeur of Diwali, the luminous festival of lights, Bengal dances to a different rhythm, as it coincides with the divine celebration of Kali Puja. In keeping with this tradition, Oikyotan community worships Goddess Kali in her resplendent, time-honoured Brahminical form. As the night unfolds, the sky becomes an ethereal canvas, illuminated by vibrant lights and sparkling bursts of fireworks. The women of Oikyotan gather with unwavering fervour to perform the puja until the wee hours of dawn. Meanwhile, the men and children of Oikyotan keep the spirits soaring, creating a symphony of joyous fireworks that burst forth in a mesmerising 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 final immersion.
SARASWATI PUJO
At Oikyotan, our hearts beat with devotion as we celebrate Saraswati Puja, a tribute to Maa Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, and the arts. Known as Vasant Panchami, this celebration resonates deeply within our community. In the soft light of dawn, students, accompanied by their mothers, gather to embrace the sacred puja, a pure and sincere connection with the goddess. For the youngest learners, standing at the threshold of their educational journey, the priest performs Hathe Khori, a sacred ritual symbolising 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 is a heartfelt offering to the divine. As the sun sets and day turns to night, Oikyotan members reconvene at the puja grounds. Here, in a spontaneous and heartfelt expression of community, we showcase our culture, talents, and creativity through a vibrant cultural programme.
BENGALI NEW YEAR
Rooted in the Indian solar calendar and guided by the sacred Surya Siddhanta, Bengali Hindus mark 15 April as Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. At Oikyotan, this auspicious day brings the community together in celebration, with the heartwarming tradition of “Baithaki Adda” taking centre stage. Dressed in fresh, vibrant attire, members exchange heartfelt greetings of “Shubho Noboborsho.” As the sun sets, a crescendo of flavours, laughter, and camaraderie fills the air. The day culminates in a sumptuous five-course feast, an ode to the rich 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 cherished winter ritual in Bengal. True to this tradition, Oikyotan organises an annual picnic at resorts or intriguing locales, where members embark on a day of camaraderie, indulging in a plethora of activities—from sports and lively trivia games to the melodic charm of Antakshari and the graceful art of dance. Amidst the laughter and friendly banter, friendships deepen and hearts draw closer. It is a day of soulful connections, filled with the music of conversation and the rhythm of shared laughter. The air is filled not only with the excitement of games but also with the enticing aromas of gastronomic delights that satiate both body and soul.
Social Cause
Oikyotan remains steadfast in its mission to give back to the community. 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 endeavours 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.