Pune Durga Puja 2026: Oikyotan Brings Bengal’s Theatre, Music, Food and Traditions to Pimple Saudagar

Pimple Saudagar, 13th October 2026: For the Bengali community, Durga Puja is more than a religious festival. It is a celebration of identity, heritage, food, music and the bonds that bring people together. In Pimpri Chinchwad, Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad (OBP), Pimple Saudagar, is preparing to celebrate this spirit with its 15th Durga Puja from October 16 to 21 at Kapse Lawns.

This year’s celebration will revolve around the theme Rangamancha, paying tribute to Bengal’s rich theatrical traditions, including Lokonatya and Jatra-pala, alongside its diverse performing arts. The six-day festival will combine traditional rituals with cultural performances, Bengali cuisine, community participation and elaborate Chandannagar-style lighting.

“Completing 15 years of Durga Puja is a special milestone for Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad. Over the years, our celebration has grown into a gathering where tradition, culture and community come together. Through this year’s theme, Rangamancha, we want to bring the richness of Bengal’s folk theatre and performing arts to Pune in a way that connects with people of all generations,” said Biswajit Saha, Secretary of OBP.

‘Rangamancha’: Bringing Bengal’s theatrical heritage to Pune
The theme Rangamancha will celebrate the enduring legacy of Bengali theatre, folk performances and traditional storytelling. The organisers aim to present these art forms in a contemporary setting while retaining their cultural essence.

The venue will feature Chandannagar-style lighting, known for its elaborate illuminated displays, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors.
For OBP, the theme is also an opportunity to encourage younger generations to discover and appreciate the artistic traditions associated with Bengal.

“Our intention is not just to organise a Puja, but to create an experience that allows people to feel Bengal’s cultural richness even while living away from their home state. Theatre, music, dance and storytelling have always been powerful ways of preserving our heritage. Rangamancha is our tribute to that legacy,” Saha said.

Traditional rituals, Dhak beats and Bengali bhog
Despite its cultural extravaganza, the celebration will retain the traditional rituals and atmosphere associated with Durga Puja in Bengal.

Ten Dhakis will perform alongside traditional Dhamsa drums, bringing the distinctive rhythms of Bengal to the festivities.

Food will be another major attraction. OBP has planned a specially curated eight-course vegetarian Bengali bhog, prepared fresh every day and served to an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 devotees.

More than 15 cooks and traditional Moiras from Bengal will be involved in preparing the daily offerings and meals. Each day’s menu will include two traditional Bengali sweets, adding to the culinary experience.

The organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors every day, including devotees, families and people interested in Bengali culture and cuisine.
“Bhog is one of the most cherished parts of Durga Puja. It brings everyone together, regardless of age or background. We are making special efforts to preserve the authentic flavours of Bengali cuisine, with traditional cooks and Moiras from Bengal preparing the food fresh every day,” Saha said.

In a gesture that reflects the community’s emphasis on continuity and shared responsibility, younger OBP members will participate in serving bhog under the guidance of senior members.

“This participation is important because our traditions survive when the next generation becomes actively involved in them. We want our children and young members to understand the significance of these customs, not merely observe them,” he added.

The festival will also host popular Bengali food and lifestyle brands from Pune, giving visitors an opportunity to explore regional flavours and products.

Kolkata artists to headline the cultural programme
Music and dance will take centre stage during the six-day celebration, with performances by artists from Kolkata, including Surojit O Bondhura, singer Portia Sen and celebrated dancer duo Dwaipayan and Payel.

The programme will also showcase the artistic talents of OBP’s own members. More than 150 children and adults from the community are expected to perform on stage, presenting music, dance, Bengali theatre and children’s drama.

The organisers see these performances as an important part of the celebration, allowing community members to contribute directly to the festival rather than participate only as spectators.

“Every year, our members work together to make the Puja special. This time, more than 150 members, including children and adults, will take part in cultural performances. Their enthusiasm and involvement are what make Oikyotan a community celebration in the truest sense,” Saha said.

From Dhunuchi dance to street theatre: Something for everyone
Beyond the evening performances, the festival will feature daytime activities designed to encourage participation across age groups.

These will include Antakshari, street plays, Dhunuchi dance accompanied by Dhak and Dhamsa, conch-blowing competitions, contests and a dance session set to the beats of the Pune Drum Circle.

The mix of traditional Bengali performances and contemporary community activities is intended to make the celebration accessible to visitors from different cultural backgrounds.

For families who have made Pune their home, such gatherings also provide an opportunity to introduce children to the language, music, food and customs associated with Bengal.

A celebration that ends with a promise to return
The six-day festivities will conclude with Sindoor Khela, the traditional ritual in which married Bengali women apply vermilion to one another, followed by the immersion procession, known as Bisharjan.

The concluding rituals are among the most emotional moments of Durga Puja, marking farewell to Goddess Durga while carrying the hope of her return the following year.

For OBP, the 15th edition represents not only a milestone in the organisation’s journey but also the continued participation of generations of families who have helped sustain the celebration.

“As we celebrate our 15th Durga Puja, we are grateful to every member, volunteer, artist and visitor who has been part of this journey. The farewell is always emotional, but it also carries a promise that we will come together again next year. That feeling is captured beautifully in the words, ‘Ashchey Bochor Abar Hobey’ — it will happen again next year,” Saha said.

At Kapse Lawns, Pimple Saudagar, OBP’s Durga Puja promises six days of devotion, cultural expression, traditional food and community bonding — a celebration of Bengal’s heritage and the friendships that continue to flourish far from home.