Hampshire Puja & Cultural Association
We have been conducting Durga Puja as an association since 2008, but we are now also a Registered Charity (#1180289).
Despite being fairly new on the scene, we are a fast-growing Social & Cultural organisation based in the South of England. Over the last couple of years, we have seen a steady increase in our membership from various states of India, Bangladesh and progressive Britons. They come not only locally from Hampshire, but also from Dorset, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, etc. Our demographics boast of people in high positions in large R&D, multinational companies, Medicine and Academia; also big and small business owners, IT Consultants and students.
The underlying common thread is the inherent urge and passion to increase awareness of the Indian culture in the UK and thereby promote UK-India cultural cohesion. This has proven to be extremely successful as HPCA has been repeatedly invited to participate in Fort Perbrook’s iconic open day festival, Eastleigh Mela, Southampton Mela and several other Indo-British cultural programmes.
HPCA has been supported by the local council over the last several years. The Mayors of Winchester and Eastleigh have consistently graced the celebrations as honoured guests.
Many of our activities have been covered in leading media over the years. These can be found here:
October 2012 – https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/9999875.hampshire-residents-celebrate-end-of-hindu-festival-in-chandlers-ford/
October 2013 – https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10711288.hiltingbury-community-centre-to-host-multicultural-festival/
October 2013 – https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10735345.hundreds-of-worshippers-gather-in-southampton-and-hampshire-to-mark-major-hindu-festival/
October 2015 – https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/13879349.explosion-of-colour-at-hindu-festivities/
Sept 2017 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05hp7tc
October 2018 – https://epaper.telegraphindia.com/imageview_224550_15267824_4_79_10-10-2018_32_i_1_sf.html