Formed in 2000 by 14 Bengali families residing in Hiranandani Estate, Thane, “Aamra Prabashi” was created to offer a home away from home. The sole purpose of forming this socio-cultural organization was to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, while creating a tangible impact on local communities.
In the last two decades, Aamra Prabashi has come of age in terms of participation, growth and recognition. From a membership of 14 member families, we have grown to a niche community of 180+ families. We have become more cosmopolitan over the years, while retaining our connection with our roots.
Durga Puja is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the state of West Bengal. It has been inscribed in 2021 on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a Hindu festival that honors the goddess Durga, who represents the divine feminine power and the trium
Durga Puja is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the state of West Bengal. It has been inscribed in 2021 on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a Hindu festival that honors the goddess Durga, who represents the divine feminine power and the triumph of good over evil. The festival typically takes place over ten days in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which falls in September or October.
Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festival begins with Mahalaya, which marks the advent of the goddess. On this day, devotees wake up early to listen to the recitation of the "Chandi Path," a hymn that narrates the story of Maa Durga’s victory.
The actual celebrations start on the sixth day, known as Shashti, when the beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are unveiled in elaborately decorated pandals (temporary structures). Over the next few days, people offer prayers, perform rituals, and engage in cultural activities like dance, music, and drama. Each day has its own significance, with Ashtami (the eighth day) being the most important, marked by Sondhi Puja. On Navami day (the ninth day), Kumari Puja is conducted, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess.
The festival culminates on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, when the idols of Maa Durga are immersed in rivers or other water bodies, symbolizing her return to her divine abode. The immersion is accompanied by grand processions, music, and dance, creating an atmosphere of both celebration and emotional farewell.
The Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav has been one of the most iconic events of Hiranandani Estate, Thane since the last two decades. Started in a small scale in 2003, it has since the last two decades grown into one of the largest Durga Puja events in Mumbai and MMR Region. It is an event that is loved and followed not only by the Bengali diaspora but by members of all communities.
While the traditional Durga Puja festivities are conducted as per prescribed customs and rituals, the Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav event also provides opportunities for multiple stakeholders to come together. The event hosts exhibition stalls from all over the country showcasing their products, small and large corporates participate to reach their target groups. One of the most important objectives of the Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav is to reach and give back to underprivileged sections of the society. Every year during the Aamra Prabashi Durgotsav, donations are made in cash and kind to social organizations like Thane Mental Hospital, Bharat Sevashram, Pranab Kanya Sangha to name a few.
In Assam, Odisha, and Bengal, Lokkhi Puja or Lakshmi Puja is performed on Ashvin Purnima day on the month of Ashvin, the full moon day following Vijaya Dashami and Durga Puja. This puja is also known as Kojagori Lokkhi Pujo. Women worship the goddess Lakshmi in the evening, after cleaning their house and decorating the floor of their hou
In Assam, Odisha, and Bengal, Lokkhi Puja or Lakshmi Puja is performed on Ashvin Purnima day on the month of Ashvin, the full moon day following Vijaya Dashami and Durga Puja. This puja is also known as Kojagori Lokkhi Pujo. Women worship the goddess Lakshmi in the evening, after cleaning their house and decorating the floor of their houses with alpona, or rangoli. It is celebrated in the evening with all family members participating in decorating and cleaning home as part of the puja.
Aamra Prabashi, Thane celebrates Kojagiri Lakshmi Puja every year in the evening by complying with all traditions followed by Bhog Prasad for all devotees.
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Pooja, is a significant Hindu festival, particularly celebrated in the eastern regions of India, such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce and powerful manifestation of the Goddess Durga. Kali Puja typically coincides with the festival of Diwali and is observed on the
Kali Puja, also known as Shyama Pooja, is a significant Hindu festival, particularly celebrated in the eastern regions of India, such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce and powerful manifestation of the Goddess Durga. Kali Puja typically coincides with the festival of Diwali and is observed on the new moon night of the Hindu month of Kartik.
During this puja, devotees worship Goddess Kali, who symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and the embodiment of strength and protection. The rituals involve offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and animal sacrifices in some traditional practices. Temples and homes are decorated with lights, and devotees chant hymns and mantras in praise of the goddess.
Kali Puja is a time for devotees to seek the goddess's blessings for strength, protection, and the removal of negativity from their lives. It is also a night of spiritual reflection, where people meditate on the deeper meanings of life and the triumph of good over evil. The festival is marked by a deep sense of devotion and reverence for the powerful goddess.
Aamra Prabashi Kali Puja is one of the oldest Kali Puja celebrations not only in Hiranandani Estate but also in Thane city. The Puja is conducted in the evening followed by Bhog prasad for all devotees and Hom (Yagya) for the Goddess that lasts upto the wee hours of the night.
Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. She is considered the embodiment of pure knowledge and is often depicted as a serene figure, seated on a white lotus, holding a veena (a musical instrument), and surrounded by sacred texts and a swan, symboli
Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. She is considered the embodiment of pure knowledge and is often depicted as a serene figure, seated on a white lotus, holding a veena (a musical instrument), and surrounded by sacred texts and a swan, symbolizing purity and wisdom.
Saraswati Pooja is primarily celebrated during the festival of Vasant Panchami, which usually falls in January or February, marking the onset of spring. On this day, devotees, especially students, teachers, artists, and musicians, worship Saraswati to seek her blessings for wisdom, knowledge, and artistic skills.
The rituals of Saraswati Pooja vary across regions, but the essence remains the same—honoring the goddess and seeking her guidance in educational and creative pursuits. The day begins with a ritual bath and wearing of yellow or white clothes, colors associated with the goddess. Houses and educational institutions are decorated with flowers, and a special altar is prepared with an idol or image of Saraswati. Books, musical instruments, and tools of learning are placed in front of the goddess as offerings, symbolizing the reverence for education and the arts.
Aamra Prabashi Saraswati Puja is a day-long festival that begins early in the morning with prayers to Goddess Saraswati. One of the key rituals of Aamra Prabashi Saraswati Puja is "Hathe Khori" - the writing of the first letters by a little toddler by involing the blessings of Goddess Saraswati in her divine presence.
The celebrations continue throughout the day with Bhog prasad for all devotees and and Sandhya Arati followed by cultural programs in the evenings by children.
Aamra Prabashi, Thanehas created a rich legacy of social work since the last two decades. We regularly provide food, garments, educational aids to the Mobile Crecheof Hiranandani Estate.
We support NGOs like Pranab Kanya Sangha and Bharat Sevashram Sangha that work for the upliftment of destitute girl children and cancer treatment. We organize blood donation camps in association with Tata Memorial Hospital and Indian Red Cross Society.
We also collaborate with global charitable organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF and CRY for humanitarian work spread across the span. During natural disasters and the recent pandemic, we have dispatched consignments of relief material for the needy.
In line with our theme of "Health is Wealth" for this year, we have planned a series of initiatives to help underprivileged communities live a healthier life.
The events planned for this year are as follows:
- Distribution of Health Kits to underprivileged children of Mobile Creche of Hiranandani Estate (JULY 2024)
- Distribution of Sanitary Pads to underprivileged girls (AUGUST 2024)
- Free Health Camp (SEPTEMBER 2024)
- Blood Donation Camp (NOVEMBER 2024)
TMC GROUND,HIRANANDANI ESTATE,THANE WEST, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra, India
Office Address: Astoria 504, Hiranandani Estate, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra, India Phone: (+91) 8657500625
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