About Us
Leicester Probashi, established in 1992, is a vibrant cultural organisation based in Leicester, UK. Dedicated to celebrating and preserving Bengali culture, heritage, and traditions, we also embrace and embed the brilliantly diverse diaspora abounding in this beloved city. Founded by members of the local Bengali diaspora, Leicester Probashi organises a wide range of cultural, social, and religious events throughout the year, with Durga Puja being its most prominent celebration. We wish to bring people of all ages to come together, and join us in celebrating our wonderful culture through music, dance, drama, food, and festive gatherings through participating in our events that we hold throughout the year.
Events
For details of Saraswati Puja 2026, please click here.
Durga Puja 2025
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in West Bengal, India, as well as in other parts of the country and among the global Bengali diaspora.
Since 2021, Durga Puja has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The celebration is dedicated to the Goddess Durga, who represents power, strength, courage and righteousness. Durga Puja festival celebrates her many forms, journey and her victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival typically spans five days, featuring religious rituals and vibrant cultural performances. Durga Puja is not only a spiritual occasion but also a cultural celebration that brings communities together in joy, devotion, and festivity whilst celebrating this auspicious Bengali Hindu religious festival. We welcome you all to join us in our celebrations!
For more event information please see Event page.
Lakshmi Puja (Lokkhi Puja)
Lakshmi Puja 2025 will be held on Sunday, 5th October evening at Geeta Bhawan
Lakshmi Puja, also known as Lokkhi Puja, is a traditional Bengali Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and purity. It is typically celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima. This auspicious occasion involves worshipping Lakshmi with devotion, offering sweets, fruits, and symbolic items like rice and lotus flowers. Homes are cleaned and decorated with alpona (rice flour patterns), and families perform rituals to invite the goddess’s blessings. Unlike the grandeur of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja is more intimate, centred around household harmony and spiritual purity, reflecting the deep cultural roots of Bengal.
Join us in celebrating Lakshmi Puja! For more information, please see our event page.
Saraswati Puja
Our next event is Saraswati Puja 2026. Click here to know more.
Saraswati Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, learning, music, and the arts. Celebrated especially in eastern India, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, it usually takes place in late January or early February during the festival of Vasant Panchami. On this day we worship Goddess Saraswati to seek her blessings for intellect, creativity, and academic success. Devotees often place books, musical instruments, and tools of learning at her feet for blessings and respect. Join us in our celebrations with our puja and vibrant cultural performances!
Want to get involved?
Events and cultural performances
Do you enjoy singing, music, dance or drama and want to get involved in our event cultural programmes? contact our Leicester Probashi Committee and find out more about upcoming events and opportunities.
Volunteering
Leicester Probashi is a small but homely organisation and we strive to maintain and widen our regular events and activities to continue celebrating our wonderful Bengali culture. We welcome community members to help us keep our Bengali culture and heritage ongoing. Contact us to find out more of how you can help us.
Donations
We depend on voluntary donations from our members and patrons to keep our efforts going and would welcome any donations to help us continue running our events and activities to help us sharing our wonderful Bengali culture with the community. If you would like to make a donation or help us with fundraising/sponsorship please contact our committee.