Archive · 30 Sep 2025
Malda Migrants Host Durga Puja Feast for Community
Every year, migrant workers return to their hometown, Paharpur, for Durga Puja.
These workers, mostly cooks, organize a large community lunch called a 'bhandara' on Ashtami, a key day of the festival.
They serve thousands of people with food prepared and served by themselves.
They cover the costs from their own savings to show community spirit and maintain ties with their roots.
It’s a tradition that brings families together, with children helping.
They aim to serve about 15,000 people.
Migrant workers from Paharpur organize a community feast during Durga Puja.
The feast, called a 'bhandara', is held on Ashtami.
The workers, primarily cooks, prepare and serve the meals themselves.
The feast is open to all, regardless of religion or caste.
They contribute ₹11,000 each to cover the costs, serving around 15,000 people.
- Who
- Migrant workers from Paharpur
- What
- Organizing a community feast (bhandara)
- When
- During Durga Puja, specifically on Ashtami
- Where
- Paharpur, Malda
- Why
- To celebrate the festival and serve the community
Migrant Workers' Perspective
Community Impact
Motivation
Migrant Workers' Perspective
To celebrate and give back to their community during Durga Puja.
Community Impact
Creating and reinforcing community bonds.
- Event
- Ashtami Bhandara (Community Feast)
- Location
- Paharpur, Malda, India
- Organizers
- Migrant workers from Paharpur
- Number of People Served
- Approximately 15,000
- Main Day
- Ashtami, Durga Puja
- Started
- Around 12 years ago
