Durga Puja — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

About IDC

Ireland Durgotsab Committee — uniting the Irish-Indian community through culture, devotion, and compassion since 2017.

Pushpanjali
Dhuno Burning
Dhak Player
Idol Procession
9+ Years of Celebration

Bringing Durga Puja to Ireland

Ireland Durgotsab Committee (IDC) was founded by a passionate group of Bengali and Indian families living in Ireland, driven by a shared longing to celebrate Durga Puja — one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture — in their adopted homeland.

What began as a small gathering of families has grown into one of the most vibrant and anticipated cultural events in Ireland, bringing together thousands of community members each year for five days of devotion, music, dance, food, and togetherness.

9+ Years Active
1,000+ Attendees Annually
50+ Volunteers

Mission & Vision

🎯

Our Mission

To celebrate the spiritual and cultural tradition of Durga Puja in Ireland by creating an inclusive, joyful, and authentic festival experience that connects the Indian diaspora, educates the broader Irish community, and builds lasting bonds of friendship and cultural understanding.

🌟

Our Vision

To be Ireland's most celebrated multicultural festival — a beacon of diversity where devotion meets community. We envision a future where Durga Puja in Ireland stands as a nationally recognised event that bridges cultures, empowers communities, and inspires generations.

💎

Our Values

  • Devotion & Spirituality
  • Cultural Preservation
  • Community & Inclusion
  • Compassion & Care
  • Transparency & Trust

What IDC Does

Beyond the festival, IDC is an active community organisation working year-round for cultural and social causes.

🪔

Durga Puja Festival

Organising the annual five-day Durga Puja celebration in Dublin — complete with Puja rituals, cultural programmes, food, and community activities for all ages.

🎭

Cultural Events

Hosting dance performances, music concerts, drama, art exhibitions, and workshops throughout the year to preserve and promote Indian cultural heritage in Ireland.

🤝

Community Support

Supporting newly arrived Indian families in Ireland with integration assistance, community networking, and connecting people with essential local services and resources.

🎓

Education & Awareness

Running awareness campaigns and educational programmes — including our partnership with the Irish Cancer Society — to inform and empower the community on important health and social topics.

👦

Youth Engagement

Creating opportunities for second-generation Irish-Indians to connect with their cultural roots through language classes, youth events, and mentorship programmes.

🌍

Cross-Cultural Bridges

Actively engaging with Irish communities, local authorities, and cultural institutions to celebrate diversity and strengthen the multicultural fabric of Irish society.

Supporting Our Community

IDC believes that a truly caring community goes beyond celebrations. We are committed to the health, wellbeing, and welfare of every member of our community — not just during festival season, but throughout the year.

Through our partnerships with the Irish Cancer Society and Future Hope, our care reaches both ends of the journey — promoting health, awareness and support within the Indian community in Ireland, and helping some of the most vulnerable children in Kolkata, India build a brighter future.

Our work includes community information sessions, health resources shared in multiple languages, encouraging community members to avail of free cancer screening in Ireland, and raising funds and awareness for Future Hope's homes, school and care for children who have nowhere else to turn.

Get Involved
🏥

Health Awareness

With the Irish Cancer Society, promoting cancer screening, early detection and preventative healthcare within the community.

📚

Child Welfare & Education

Supporting Future Hope's homes, schooling and healthcare for street and slum children in Kolkata, India.

📢

Information Access

Providing resources in accessible, multilingual formats so no community member is left uninformed.

💙

Compassion in Action

Fundraising, volunteering and standing with our partner charities throughout the year.

The IDC Timeline

From a small gathering of families to Ireland's biggest Durga Puja celebration — our story, year by year.

🌱
2017

IDC Founded

A small group of Irish-Indian families came together to celebrate Durga Puja for the first time in Dublin. 200 attendees marked the beginning of a community tradition.

🏛️
2016

First Venue Partnership

Secured our first dedicated festival venue in Dublin city centre, allowing a full five-day Puja programme with cultural performances.

🎭
2017

Cultural Programme Launch

Introduced a structured cultural programme featuring classical dance, devotional music, drama, and children's activities attracting 800+ attendees.

🤝
2018

First Sponsorship Programme

Launched IDC's formal sponsorship programme, onboarding five founding sponsors and establishing a sustainable funding model for the festival.

🎯
2019

1,000+ Attendees Milestone

Crossed the 1,000 attendees milestone for the first time — a landmark moment that confirmed Durga Puja as a major cultural event in Ireland.

💻
2020

Digital Festival — COVID Response

Pivoted to a fully digital festival during the pandemic. Live-streamed Puja rituals, cultural shows, and community events reached over 5,000 viewers globally.

💙
2021

Irish Cancer Society & Future Hope Partnership

Formed a landmark partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, launching community cancer awareness programmes and health information campaigns — and began supporting Future Hope, whose homes, schooling and healthcare reach street and slum children in Kolkata. Surplus festival proceeds go to both.

🌟
2022

Biggest Festival to Date

Returned in full force post-pandemic with record attendance of 3,000+, expanded cultural programme, and national media coverage for the first time.

👦
2023

Youth & Community Programmes

Launched dedicated youth engagement programmes including language workshops, cultural mentorship, and a junior volunteer scheme for second-generation Irish-Indians.

🏆
2024

10th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrated a decade of Durga Puja in Ireland with a landmark festival, alumni reunion, and community awards ceremony honouring IDC volunteers and supporters.

🎊
2025

1,000+ Attendees & National Recognition

Achieved our highest ever attendance of 1,000+, received formal recognition from Dublin City Council, and expanded sponsorship to 20+ partners.

IDC's partnership with the Irish Cancer Society

Irish Cancer Society

The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland's national cancer charity, dedicated to funding research, providing support services, and raising awareness to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals and families across Ireland.

Their services include free cancer information helplines, support groups, night nursing care, community transport for treatment, and patient advocacy. IDC proudly partners with the Irish Cancer Society to bring these vital services and information to the Indian community in Ireland.

Future Hope

Future Hope gives some of the most vulnerable children from the streets and slums of Kolkata, India, a real chance in life — through safe homes, a full-time school, healthcare, sport, and skills training. Founded in 1987, it has supported thousands of children on their journey to independent, self-reliant adulthood.

IDC is proud to stand with Future Hope, raising awareness and support within the Irish-Indian community for its work caring for, educating, and empowering children who have nowhere else to turn.

WhatsApp Us