Adi Durga Ma International Temple (ADMIT) has launched its annual Durga Puja celebration in Manchester, marking the first year of its Manchester Pujabari festivities.

Held at St Kentigern's Parish Hall, Fallowfield, from 16 to 20 October, the inaugural event brought together Bengali communities from India and Bangladesh for five days of worship and cultural celebrations.

The event welcomed dignitaries from across Greater Manchester, including MP Navendu Mishra (Stockport), Councillor Md Shamsul Karim (Tameside), Cllr Kaushik Chakraborty (Trafford Council), Cllr Rob Nunney (Woodhouse Park ward) and Cllr Aatif Ati Zafar (Whalley Range).

Cultural performances featuring popular Indian singer Ujaan Mokerjee and several UK-based South Asian artists drew an enthusiastic response.

Speaking at the event, MP Navendu Mishra said: "For youngsters from the Bengali community, whether they are from Bangladesh or whether they are from India, growing up in Greater Manchester, this is a good way for them to connect to their roots, to their religion, to their culture."

He said the celebration also enriched Greater Manchester's cultural offering and gave people an opportunity to meet and build community links.

The venue featured paintings by artist Ananya Mukherjee, whose work is also displayed at Stockport Museum. During his visit, Mr Mishra spoke with Ananya about Durga Puja's cultural significance in Bangladesh, India and the UK.

The founding members of ADMIT Manik Ghoshal and Agniva Ghoshal said: "This is a dream of more than three years which has finally come true.

"We did it! And we have so much more to give to the community and the city in future."

Bivash Saha from ADMIT Manchester Pujabari Team said: "We want to bring back the authentic barir pujo (Durga Puja celebrated in the family home) tradition of Bengal, where everyone feels welcome and food is served free of charge.

"Our doors are open to one and all, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make our first Durga Puja a success."

Durga Puja is one of the most significant annual festivals for Bengali Hindus, worshipping the diving feminine and celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Beside the religious rituals, the festival is also a major cultural occasion, bringing families and communities together through art, music, food and celebration.

In 2021, 'Durga Puja in Kolkata' was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its rich artistic traditions and its role in bringing diverse communities together.