In the absence of a temple or formally organised Puja events, Dunedin-based Biswanath Rao Nilapu ji(babu) and Uma Rao Nilapu ji along with their kids Prashant, Gayatri and Rahul have been hosting Durga Puja and Vijayadashmi at their home for more than 18 years now. The family graciously invites everyone to their home to perform nine days of durga puja rituals. During the festive season, their doors are open for anyone interested to attend the puja and seek the blessings of Maa.
Babu moved to Dunedin from Kolkata 27 years ago and since then, it has been a tradition for them to host Puja at their home. As Durga Maa is their Kul Devi, the family including the younger members, strictly observes the fast for nine days and follow the rituals.
The family also get a priest based in Kolkata to perform various puja rituals on video calls for the benefit of all those attending.
Their home is visited by up to 200 families over the nine days that come to pray, offer their tributes and seek blessings.
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