The Evolution of Swisspuja

In 2003, a band of Bengalis came together with the same thought in their minds: instead of sitting around feeling nostalgic, how about recreating Durga Puja magic in Switzerland? Crazy though the idea might have seemed at the start, it gave birth to Swisspuja the organization, and the first EC was formed. It was an entrepreneurial adventure with challenges small and large – from finding a venue for the Puja to importing the idols from India. Soliciting sponsorship and funds from locals. Slowly but surely the event started to take shape and form with volunteers offering help in various ways. For example, a local Indian restaurant that generously offered its hall as the event site. Yet another person organized the puja idol to be brought to Zurich from Kumartuli along with a Purohit from Kolkata. There was a sense of real excitement in the air. Durga Puja was going to happen in Zurich, just as we knew it from back home, albeit on a smaller scale! Rehearsals for cultural programmes including Mahishashur Mardini went on in full swing. As the first Swiss Sarbojonin Durga Puja approached, flowers to make garlands and offerings were ordered, and preparations for making sweets and materials needed for the rituals were made. The first day of Durga Puja arrived. The excitement knew no bounds. Sponsors turned members thronged the Puja venue. The Swisspuja Executive Committee had spread the word far and wide, to friends and colleagues who in turn had informed others. Word of mouth was all one had in those days of pre-internet and pre-social media. A lot has changed since then, and the Durga Puja organized by Swisspuja has only grown from strength to strength and its fame has spread far and wide. Every year has seen an increase in footfall, and we have welcomed visitors from neighbouring countries. We have received extensive coverage in the media locally and in India.

Annual events organised by Swisspuja

As a socio-cultural organisation, Swisspuja celebrates these events:

• Rabindra Jayanti: Celebrating the birth anniversary of the great poet, philosopher and educationist Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) through his songs, dances, dramas and poetry. Starting with Prabhat Pheri on the banks of Lake Zurich and culminating in an evening cultural programme.

• Annual Picnic: An eagerly awaited summer event. Filled with fun, frolic and games aplenty for the entire family, the Swisspuja Picnic is THE place to come along for a stress-busting, endorphin-buzzing adda like no other which will see you perfectly into a gorgeous Swiss summer.

• Durga Puja: Come autumn, it is of course time for Durga Puja! Five, fun-filled days of festivity, gaiety and laughter. Brimming with community spirit, our Puja has the flavour of a family puja and the feel of a parar puja.

The cultural programmes on Durga Puja evenings are always a highlight. Adults and children alike look forward to performing on stage on the four evenings of Durga Puja, to the appreciation of the visitors.

Every year since its foundation, Swisspuja has published the ‘Swisspuja Patrika’, during Durga Puja. This multilingual magazine provides a platform to the creative talent of the community and is distributed to all visitors who take part in the celebrations.

• Bijaya Sammelani: Our year culminates at the Bijoya Sammelani, which always promises to be a soulful evening of music, dance and theatre.

• Philanthropy: Swisspuja provides philanthropic support to various Swiss and Indian NGOs and foundations involved in relief and humanitarian work. In 2020, Swisspuja donated chf 5000 to the West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund, Bharat Sevashram sangha, Ramkrishna Mission.