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:

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.

2014 Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 19, 2013

Program:

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.

2013 Children’s Christmas Party and Open House

Saturday, December 7, 2013

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

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.

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.

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

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Durga Puja

Fri Oct 3 to Sun Oct 5, 2014

2014 Annual Autumn Festival & Sharad Utsav
Lakshmi Puja

Saturday Oct 11, 2014

2014 Children’s Christmas Party and Open House

Sunday, December 14, 2014

For further information: Please contact

• Prabir Neogi (613-746-2329)
• Atulesh Nandi (613-820-7214)
• Arun Roy (613-837-1936)

R.S.V.P. by Email: Arun Roy