Peterborough, UK – March 23, 2025 – A momentous occasion unfolded at the Queensgate Shopping Centre yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the cultural landscape of the United Kingdom. For the first time, a Durga idol, commissioned by students of Techno India University, Techno India Group Public Schools, colleges, and École Intuit Lab – and originating from the Lalbaba Rice Thames Durga Parade, has been unveiled in the heart of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. This special “Durga Darshan” event, spearheaded by the Bengali Sanskriti Club of Peterborough and Heritage Bengal Global, aims to promote Kolkata’s Durga Puja as a global tourism destination, bringing its vibrant traditions to a wider audience.
The unveiling ceremony, held amidst an atmosphere of cultural celebration and interfaith harmony, saw a diverse crowd gather to witness this historic event. The idol, crafted from biodegradable materials, stood as a testament to both artistic excellence and environmental consciousness, reflecting the modern sensibilities of a timeless tradition.
The Durga idol is the result of three years of hardwork done by the students, focusing on creating art that’s kind to the environment. They’ve been experimenting with recycled materials, and this year’s idol shows how they’ve combined beautiful design with eco-friendly practices. The intricate details reflect the students’ hard work and the guidance they received from their mentors at Techno India Group.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several prominent figures from Peterborough’s civic and cultural spheres, highlighting the event’s significance. Among the attendees were Gillian Beasley, former Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council and a respected trustee and director within the Peterborough Champions Alliance; Sarah Haythornwaite, Director of Peterborough Presents, a key arts and culture organization; Rajni Reddy, Vice President of Bharat Hindu Samaj and a driving force behind the Peterborough Diwali Festival and other cultural initiatives; Ruth Campbell, Director of the national art organization METAL; and Verity Swanson Wigmore, Operations Head of Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, expressed her pride, stating, “We are thrilled that the idol created by our students is being showcased as a piece of art, symbolizing the strong bond between the UK and India. We wish the exhibition every success.”
Anameeka Ghossh, founder of the Bengali Sanskriti Club, Peterborough, expressed her elation, stating, “This is a dream come true. The overwhelming support from the Peterborough authorities has been truly remarkable. To have a Durga idol displayed in the city centre, a first for any UK city council, is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and understanding.”
The event coincided with International Women’s Day celebrations, emphasizing the “Shakti” – the divine feminine power – embodied by Goddess Durga. This symbolic alignment highlighted the festival’s core philosophy and its relevance in contemporary society. The ceremony was enriched with music, entertainment, crafts, and refreshments, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for all attendees.
“Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than a religious festival; it’s a global art festival and a cultural melting pot”, said Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Founder of Heritage Bengal Global. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the Lalbaba Rice Thames Durga Parade and the rich heritage it represents.”
The Queensgate Shopping Centre, recognizing the cultural significance of Durga Puja, a UNESCO-recognized tradition, readily offered its space for the display. A representative from the centre remarked, “We are delighted to host this installation, which celebrates the artistic and cultural legacy of Bengal and resonates with themes of strength, community, and inclusivity.”
The Durga idol will remain on display at the Queensgate Shopping Centre for a month, followed by a month-long exhibition at the adjacent Museum, allowing a wider audience to experience the grandeur and significance of this cultural treasure. This historic event marks a new chapter in the cultural exchange between India and the UK, fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse traditions.