Press Release: ABKC Sangam’s Durgotsab 2026 Celebrates Tradition, Music and Togetherness

Indian Idol winner Rishi Singh, singer Shubhamita Banerjee and the band Krosswindz headlined a celebration that drew families from Kansas City and neighboring communities.

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas: Sangam’s Durgotsab 2026 filled the Camelot Ballroom in Overland Park with prayers, music, performances, and plenty of Bengali food. Celebrations started with Mahalaya on October 10 and ran October 16-18. Families came from across Kansas City, and some traveled from Columbia and Bentonville.

Music was a big draw all three days. Indian Idol winner Rishi Singh brought Bollywood energy to the stage, and it was the first time Sangam has hosted an Indian Idol champion. Shubhamita Banerjee, a longtime favorite, sang the Bengali melodies the audience loves. Krosswindz, which features guitarist Vikramjit “Tuki” Banerjee, added its own sound to the weekend.

Local talent got prime evening slots. The Nepali and Kerala associations, Nartan Academy of Dance, and performers from Kansas and nearby communities all took the stage. Kids and parents could join in too, with face painting, diya painting, garbha, conch-blowing, and Durga-themed games.

The rituals followed the traditional order. Mahalaya opened with the Mahishasuramardini presentation. Puja included the homa ritual and Kumari Puja, which honored three young girls. On Dashami, families came together for dhunuchi naach and sindoor khela, then said goodbye to the goddess with colorful celebration and warm Bijoya greetings.

The decorations recreated the feel of a traditional puja mandap, and photo areas were themed around Bollywood Night, Nabadurga, and Bijoya Sammilani. A Nabadurga exhibition honored nine notable women from India and the United States, linking the divine feminine to women’s achievements in both countries.

Food was central, as always. Menus included khichuri, labra, kosha mangsho, fish dishes, Kolkata-style chicken biryani, and Bengali sweets, with separate menus for children. Volunteers planned, cooked, and served it all together.

Sangam President Arup Majumdar said:

“This year’s Durga Puja was especially meaningful as the first celebration led by Sangam’s new team, guided by our belief that strong relationships and heartfelt service bring people together. We are proud that Sangam is a joyful, welcoming community, and hearing that first-time attendees and visitors from other states felt welcomed and valued made this celebration even more special. It was a celebration of our traditions and the bonds we share with the wider community.”

He also thanked the people behind the event:

“Our heartfelt thanks go to all our sponsors, whose generous support helped us keep ticket prices affordable and welcome more people to the celebration. We are also grateful to our partner organizations for enriching the festivities with multicultural performances and to our dedicated volunteers, whose time, care, and hard work made it all possible.”

Between the worship, the music, and the shared meals, Sangam’s Durgotsab 2026 gave the Kansas City community a taste of Bengal.