Celebrating Culture & Community: Durga Puja Comes to Ballincollig

Next month, Cork’s vibrant Indian community will host one of its most significant annual celebrations, Durga Puja, at Ballincollig GAA Club on September 27th and 28th. 

Organised by Cork Sarbojanin Durgotsab (CSD), the festival promises an unforgettable blend of tradition, food, music, and dance and everyone in Cork is warmly invited.

What is Durga Puja?

Durga Puja is a much-loved Indian festival rooted in Hindu tradition, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Across the globe, Bengali communities come together to mark the occasion with storytelling, dance, prayer, and — of course — wonderful food.

Last year, more than 500 people joined the festivities in Cork, and this year organisers expect between 1,000 and 1,500 visitors, making it the largest celebration to date.
A Festival for Everyone

A Festival for Everyone

What makes this year’s event especially meaningful is its focus on community connection. Alongside Indian cultural performances, local Irish dancers will also take to the stage, creating a festival that celebrates both heritage and friendship. Even the CSD logo reflects this unity, weaving together Indian and Irish symbols, including elements from Cork’s coat of arms.

Food lovers are in for a treat too with some of Cork’s favourite Indian food vendors serving authentic dishes throughout the weekend. From street food to classic curries, it’s set to be a real feast for the senses.

A Message of Solidarity

This celebration comes at a time when Ireland’s Indian community has faced challenges, with reports of racially-motivated incidents elsewhere in the country. Yet here in Cork, organisers say they feel safe, welcome, and supported.

As one organiser explained:

“Indians who have been living in Ireland for a long time have always thought of it as a safe home… We’re deeply saddened by recent incidents, but we know the Irish people stand in solidarity with us. I feel like Cork is a much safer place to live.”

This spirit of resilience and unity lies at the heart of the Durga Puja celebrations. It’s an opportunity not only to showcase Indian culture but also to strengthen the bonds between communities here in Cork.

Everyone’s Invited

The festival will welcome special guests including the Lord Mayor of Cork, Garda representatives, and members of the Indian Embassy and YOU to share in the colour, music, dance, and food of this joyous occasion.

📅 When: September 27–28, 2025
📍 Where: Ballincollig GAA Club
🎉 Who: Open to all — families, friends, and communities across Cork

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✨ At Cork Cultural Companions, we feel cultural events like this enrich our city and give us the chance to connect across traditions. Why not join in this September, discover something new, and celebrate Cork’s cultural diversity?