New Horizons Seniors Program

Deshantari’s NHSP project started on 14 March, 2016 and will continue until 13 March, 2017 and the following members will be organizing the various senior activities during this time complementing Deshantari’s other regular activities:
  1. Prabir Neogi (Chair and Core-Member)
  2. Atulesh Nandi (Core-Member) 
  3. Arun Roy (Core-Member)
  4. Angsuman Rudra
  5. Manas Dan
  6. Anindo Maiti
The NHSP team welcomes feedback from the community on the type of senior activities they would like us to organize that relate to enhancing the seniors’ social well-being and community vitality. These senior activities are open to all Deshantari members and will be held in strong collaboration with organizations like Indo-Canada Community Centre (ICCC), India-Canada Association (ICA), and Nepalese Canadian Association of Ottawa (NCAO). At the moment the NHSP team plans to use these funds primarily to organize 10 Workshops (usually one per month) that will address various senior well-being issues.

Event Calendar Agenda View

Jul
21
Sun
2013
Summer Picnic – Lunch and Party: July 21, 2013 @ Ottawa Municipal Campground
Jul 21 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014 Summer Picnic – Lunch and Party

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Deshantari organized a summer picnic at the Ottawa Municipal Campground, 411 Corkstown Road,
Nepean on Sunday, July 21, 2013. The menu for the picnic was as follows:

Opening Act (adults)
• Jhal muri, BBQ Corn, Tea

Opening Act (Kids):
• Popcorn/chips/BBQ corn

Main Event – Hakka Chinese Feast
• Fried Rice, Boneless Chicken/Fish/Paneer in Hot Garlic sauce, Veg Spring Roll, Sweets (Gulab
jamun)

The picnic was a great success. The weather was great, the turn-out was very decent and members had a
wonderful time socializing, enjoying the good “Hakka” chinese food, BBQ and the various games played.

Sep
7
Sat
2013
Parkinson’s Super Walk – Charity Walk: Sept 7, 2013 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Sep 7 @ 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

Parkinson’s Super Walk – Charity Walk

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Deshantari was one of the proud sponsors of Parkinson’s Superwalk 2013 held on 7th September 2013 at Ron Kolbus Center, 102 Greenview Avenue, Ottawa.

The community joined 14,000 other Canadians who took part in the annual Parkinson SuperWalk in
support of over 100,000 Canadians with Parkinson’s. Parkinson SuperWalk was Parkinson Society
Canada’s national, once a year event to raise funds for research into the causes of Parkinson’s, better

treatments and one day, a cure. Together we raised funds for education and support services, not only for people with Parkinson’s, but for their caregivers and family members too.

Sep
29
Sun
2013
Open House – Bengali Movie Show: September 29, 2013 @ The Ottawa Citizen
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm – Sep 30 @ 12:00 am

2014 Open House – Bengali Movie Show

Sunday, Sept 29, 2013

Deshantari organized an Open House at the Baxter Hall (1101 Baxter Road, Ottawa) on Sunday 29 Sep,
2013.

In this event Deshantari presented “Hirer Angti” a feature film by the late Rituparno Ghosh. The
executive committee had chosen this film to pay tribute to the great director/artist Rituparno Ghosh
ensuring that the movie could be enjoyed by all age groups. The film starts and ends with the festive
mood of Durga pujo and has excerpts from famous songs of Mahalaya.

The open house was a great success with a large number of people attending to watch the movie and
socialize in some nice “adda” over tea, “alu tikka” and “golub jamun”.

Oct
11
Fri
2013
Durga Puja: October 11-13, 2013 @ Heron Gate Community Centre
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – Oct 13 @ 4:00 pm

2014 Durga Puja

Fri Oct 11 to Sun Oct 13, 2013

Deshantari’s main event the Durga Puja was organized at the Heron Gate Community Centre from 11 – 13 Oct, 2013. The Puja Chairperson welcomed the members with the following note:

“The countdown for the much awaited Deshantari event of the year is over. It is time for Durga Puja.
With festive alacrity we have made all the arrangements so that you have a wonderful time and enjoy a grand celebration of our culture and traditions. A large team of dedicated volunteers have been working very hard over the past couple of months in preparation for the ceremonial worship, rehearsing for the cultural programs, fund-raising and even researching on the latest culinary trends.

I know men are eagerly looking forward to their long “adda” sessions with friends over a cup of tea just as ladies have started checking out their latest sari and jewellery collection bought on their recent visits to India. Children can hardly wait for a few days of no homework but pure fun with their friends!

Without further ado, I on behalf of the Deshantari Executive Committee welcome you, your family and
friends to the 32nd Durga Puja in Ottawa. This year we have organized a variety of cultural programs
from Bengali Natak to children’s Talent show. There will be a diverse mix of garment and jewellery stalls for those of you who love to shop. A large group of volunteers have meticulously planned an exquisite selection of food and misti that you will find truly irresistible. During these three days we have also set-up a booth to collect food donations that would go towards the “Ottawa Food Bank”.

Finally I would like to thank my committee and all volunteers for their selfless dedication and hard work in making the arrangements for this year’s Durga Puja. Last but not least, a note of thanks goes to all our advertisers, sponsors and donors for their generous financial support.

I look forward to seeing you all and I am certain you will find this year’s Durga Puja as enjoyable as it
has always been! Once again, welcome to Durga Puja 2013.”

The program details and menu were as follows:

Date Program Details
Friday, Oct 11, 2013: Maha Sasthi
Priests: Sushil K. Bhattacharya and
Nirmal Sinha
06:00 pm: Maha Shasthi Puja
07:00 pm: Sandhya Arati and Prasad
07:30 pm: Cultural Program (Kids Talent show)
08:30 pm: Dinner
09:30 pm: Cultural Program (Shefali and Group)
10:30 pm: Cultural Program (Classical Music)
11:45 pm: Hall Closing
Saturday, Oct 12, 2013: Maha
Saptami & Maha Ashtami
Morning Priests: Sushil K.
Bhattacharya, Nirmal SinhaEvening Priests: Sushil K. Bhattacharya,
Nirmal Sinha
09:00 am: Maha Saptami & Maha Ashtami Puja
01:30 pm: Pushpanjali and Prasad
02:00 pm: Lunch06:00 pm: Sandhya Puja
07:30 pm: Sandhya Arati and Prasad
07:45 pm: Children’s Classical Dance
08:15 pm: Dinner
09:30 pm: Bengali Nathak – “Bhuter Bhobhishot”
12:45 pm: Hall Closing
Sunday, Oct 13, 2013: Maha Navami
and Bijaya Dashami
Morning Priests: Aditya Chakravarti and
Ashutosh Bagchi
10:00 am: Maha Navami Puja
12:00 pm: Dashami Puja, Bisharjon
01:30 pm: Sindur Khela
02:00 pm: Lunch
04:30 pm: Hall Closing

The Durga Puja and Lakshmi festivities were attended by a record number of people. The Puja hall and
stall layout was completely changed this year to make room for a large number of people. The Executive
Committee received an overwhelming response and deep appreciation for a well organized event.

Members were particularly appreciative of the Bengali Nathak, the cultural program (Jalsa) on Lakshmi
Puja and the food selection and arrangements outstanding on all days. This was made possible by the
tireless work of a very large number of dedicated volunteers.

This year the committee also took initiative to collect items for the Ottawa Food Bank throughout the
festivities and also gave away boxes of Bengali books to anyone interested in reading Bengali books.

Oct
19
Sat
2013
Lakshmi Puja: October 19, 2013 @ Heron Gate Community Centre
Oct 19 @ 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm

2014 Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 19, 2013

Program:

Date Program Details
Saturday, 19 Oct, 2013: Lakshmi Puja
Evening Priest: Nirmal Sinha
05:00 pm: Lakshmi Puja
07:00 pm: Jalsa Program
08:15 pm: Variety Program
08:30 pm: Dinnerg

The Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja festivities were attended by a record number of people. The Puja hall and stall layout was completely changed this year to make room for a large number of people. The Executive Committee received an overwhelming response and deep appreciation for a well organized event.

Members were particularly appreciative of the Bengali Nathak, the cultural program (Jalsa) on Lakshmi
Puja and the food selection and arrangements outstanding on all days. This was made possible by the
tireless work of a very large number of dedicated volunteers.

This year the committee also took initiative to collect items for the Ottawa Food Bank throughout the
festivities and also gave away boxes of Bengali books to anyone interested in reading Bengali books.

Dec
7
Sat
2013
Children’s Christmas Party: December 7, 2013 @ The Ottawa Citizen Auditorium
Dec 7 @ 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm

2013 Children’s Christmas Party and Open House

Saturday, December 7, 2013

 

Feb
9
Sun
2014
Saraswati Puja: February 9, 2014 @ Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Feb 9 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Saraswati Puja

Sunday, February 09, 2014

 

Deshantari celebrated Saraswati Puja on Sunday February 9th at the Ron Kolbus Center. The schedule of activities was as follows:

  • Puja and Pushpanjali: 10 am-11.30 am (Hathekhori will be after puja)
  • Children’s drawing competition: 11.30-12:00 pm
  • Children’s talent show: 12:00-12:20
  • Kobitar Asor: 12:25-1:00 pm
  • Lunch: 1-2 pm

Among the other cultural programs Deshantari organized a “Kobitar Asor” performed by Mabhin Ghosh
Datta from Kalavatee Dance Centre and Saumita Banerjea, an invited elocutionist from Toronto. This
event received excellent response from all sections of the Community

Apr
5
Sat
2014
2014 Annual Dinner and Cultural Program: April 5, 2014 @ Tudor Hall
Apr 5 @ 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm

2014 Annual Dinner and Cultural Program

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Deshantari Executive Committee arranged an evening of entertainment and Dinner on Saturday, 5 April, 2014. This was Deshantari Executive Committee’s final event of the year and all members were invited to a wonderful evening of music, dance and exquisite cuisine. This year the committee combined the Cultural Program and Annual Dinner into one single event that was hosted at one of the elegant ballrooms of the famous Tudor Hall. This was a great opportunity to enjoy a cultural event and dinner in the stimulating company of friends from the community.

The format of the evening was pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres that were followed by Bengali Song
Performance by an invited artist from Montreal. A full-course dinner buffet was served. And lastly, dance to the tune of everyone’s favorite Indian music was played by a professional music DJ.

The Program details were as follows:
6:00 – 7:00 pm – Cash Bar with hot hors d’oeuvres (Cocktail Hour)
7:00 – 8:00 pm – Bengali songs (performed by an artist from Montreal)
8:00 – 10:00 pm – Dinner Buffet (full course dinner)
8:00 – 11:30 pm – Variety Music (played by Professional DJ)

Appetizer Menu:
1) Macher Chop – Bengali Style
2) Mini Chicken Roll – Kolkata Style
3) Papri Chat – Mumbai Style

Dinner Menu:
1) Baked Salmon with a Lemon and Caper Sauce.
2) Chicken Breast with a Mushroom Wine Sauce.
3) Seasonal Vegetable Stir-fry on Rice.
4) Roasted Potatoes and Mixed Vegetables.
5) House Salad, Coleslaw, Bean Salad.
6) Vegetables and Dip Platter.
7) Fresh Rolls with Butter.
8) Table service of fresh brewed Coffee and Tea.
9) Three Chocolate Truffle Cake.

The Annual Dinner was completey over-sold and was attended by a record number of people. The
wonderful ambience of Tudor Hall, the simply irresistible Bengali appetizers, the Bengali song
performance by the invited artist from Montreal, the exquisite buffet food prepared by Tudor Hall and
finally the lighting and music by the professional DJ throughout the evening completely overwhelmed the participants. It was an evening that exuded in exuberance of fun and laughter and a wonderful way to conclude the year of activities.

Jul
19
Sat
2014
Deshantari Annual Picnic: July 19, 2014 @ Rideau River Provincial park
Jul 19 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Picnic

Sunday, July 19, 2014

Deshantari of Ottawa Carleton will be organizing their 2014 Annual Picnic at Rideau River Provincial Park July 19, 2014 (Saturday). Your participation is most welcome and it is FREE for all members. Please confirm your attendance by e-mail by July 4, 2014.

Direction: Take ON-416 S to Prescott. Take Exit 42 for Ottawa Rd.13 / Dilworth Rd. Turn right on Ottawa Rd. 13 / Dilworth Rd. Take first left on to 4 Line Rd. Continue on to Donnelly Drive. After driving for about 2.7 kms. the destination will be on the left.

  • Date: July 19, 2014
  • Venue: Rideau River Provincial park
  • Address : 2680 Donnelly Drive, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0.
  • Phone: 613-258-2740
  • Time: from 10 a.m.
  • Guest fee: Adults – each $15, Senior Citizens each $11 and Children (below 10 yrs.) – each $10.
  • Parking fee: $ 14 per vehicle.
  • Menu: Jhalmuri, Tea, Corn, Rice, Moong Daal, Goat meat / Shorshe (mustard) Salmon / Paneer, Chutney, Salad, Jalebi, Watermelon.
  • Kid’s Menu: Jhalmuri, Corn, Chicken Burger and Chicken hotdog, Salad, Jalebi, Watermelon.
Sep
14
Sun
2014
Deshantari Walk-A-Thon: September 14, 2014 @ Anniversary Park
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

2014 Deshantari Walk-A-Thon

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Deshantari Executive Committee would like to invite you to our annual walkathon on Sunday, September 14th.  This year Deshantari is supporting The Terry Fox Foundation in its ongoing work to fund innovative and progressive cancer research programs.

We hope that you and your family will be able to participate in the Walkathon.  This is a 1k/5k/10k walk or run and the route is bicycle, roller-blade and wheelchair accessible. Even if you cannot participate, you can always make a voluntary donation of any amount in support of the Deshantari team in the Terry Fox Run. Please see below the details. Your kindness will impact the lives of millions living with cancer.

Team Name: Deshantari.
Location: Carleton University. (Anniversary Park – Along Colonel By Drive. Parking is in lot P6 or p7 at Carleton University. Then it is a short walk down a path to Anniversary Park. )
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2014.
Time: The Team Deshantari will gather there around 10 am and begin the walk/run together around 10:30 am.
Food and Drinks: Water will be distributed along the way. Food can be purchased.

Registration can be done online or on-site:

a) Register directly online and join team Deshantari by following this link. Everyone, including those who can not participate, can make a voluntary donation for the Deshantari team. Tax receipts will be emailed instantly.

b) Send the deshantari secretary an email confirming your participation and will be added to the the team list. In that case you need to bring a cheque for the voluntary donation amount on site on the event day.

Please note that the event organizers will provide a tax-receipt in either case. In case of online donation, a receipt is emailed instantly.

If you have any questions please contact Subrata Sarker by email or 613-617-2464

If you would like to have further information regarding this event please contact the event organizer at 1-888- 836-9786 or by email at info@terryfoxrun.org or visit their website: www.terryfox.org

Oct
3
Fri
2014
Durga Puja: October 3-5, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 3 @ 10:00 am – Oct 5 @ 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Durga Puja

Fri Oct 3 to Sun Oct 5, 2014

 

Oct
11
Sat
2014
Lakshmi Puja: October 11, 2014 @ Heron Road Multi-Service Centre, Ottawa
Oct 11 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

 

Dec
14
Sun
2014
Children’s Christmas Party and Open House: December 14, 2014 @ The Ottawa Citizen Auditorium
Dec 14 @ 4:00 pm – Dec 16 @ 9:30 pm

2014 Children’s Christmas Party and Open House

Sunday, December 14, 2014