Events | Yearly Activities
বারো মাসে তেরো পার্বন · Thirteen Festivals in Twelve Months
The old Bengali saying goes that we celebrate thirteen festivals in twelve months — and we take it seriously. From the grandeur of Sharod Utsav to a quiet morning with Rabindra Sangeet, here's the full rhythm of the LMBCS year.
Good Friends, Good Food, All Year Round
We Bengalis love to socialize, whatever the occasion — at our pujas, at the annual picnic, at every cultural evening. And it's rare for anyone to leave a gathering without a full stomach.
Each event is a festive collection of people, and the committee puts real care into planning a year the whole community can enjoy.
Cultural Evenings & Get-Togethers
True to বারো মাসে তেরো পার্বন, we look for any excuse to gather. Formal cultural evenings bring world-renowned musicians and our own fine local talent together for group songs, plays, poetry recitation, dance, and classical and contemporary music. Other times it's an informal potluck — like Poila Boishakh — with a mouth-watering spread, impromptu song and dance, and a spirited গানের লড়াই (battle of the songs). Whatever the occasion, LMBCS members always manage to have a wonderful time.
রবীন্দ্র জয়ন্তী · Rabindra Jayanti (Ponchishe Boisakh)
The first Indian Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore is revered by Bengalis — but the real love comes from his work, which touches every Bengali life because its subjects are so deeply human. Each May, on পঁচিশে বৈশাখ (the 25th of Boisakh, Tagore's birthday), LMBCS members stage performances drawn from his rich body of song, poetry, and dance, paying homage to one of the world's greatest writers.
গ্রীষ্মকালীন পিকনিক · Annual Summer Picnic
It's not always sunny in Vancouver, so we make the most of it when it is. The summer picnic gathers members and guests at one of the region's parks for a relaxed day — scrumptious food alongside soccer, badminton, musical chairs, and good old-fashioned Indian tea. We wind down as the sun sets, already looking forward to seeing each other again at Durga Puja.
সরস্বতী পূজা · Saraswati Puja
Saraswati Puja honours the goddess of knowledge, celebrated by Bengalis the world over — in temples and in homes, where children traditionally place their textbooks before the goddess for her blessing. LMBCS celebrates on a Saturday close to the original date, from morning into the afternoon. Though smaller in scale than Durga Puja, it's warmly attended — a morning of blessings followed by a full vegetarian lunch.
দুর্গা পূজা · Sharod Utsav/Durga Puja
Every autumn we celebrate the arrival of Devi Durga across a packed two-and-a-half-day schedule, from Friday evening through Sunday — Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Nabami, and Bijoya Dashami. Away from home, Durga Puja is when the whole community comes together: devotion, elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and food, all powered by community volunteers who build the pandal, cook, perform, and welcome. In 2024, our celebration earned the Best Sharadotsav award from the Greatest Show on Earth (GSOE), in association with Global Connect and Heritage Bengal Global.
বিজয়া সম্মেলন · Bijoya Sammelan
When Ma Durga departs, the Bijoya season begins — a month of visiting, sweets, and seeking the blessings of elders. After the hard work of Durga Puja, LMBCS gathers to celebrate Bijoya in a relaxed evening of cultural performances and good food, with our own members — especially the children — taking the stage. Performances range from group songs to full plays. Fun is had by all, and dinner is savoured by everyone.
And There’s Always More….
Every year, we’re dreaming up new reasons to get together. When time and schedules allow, we look for new events, celebrations, and activities to bring to the LMBCS community — from Diwali and Holi to whatever else we might think of next.
So keep an eye on this space. There’s always something new in the works.
Our Year at a Glance
When
What
Saraswati Puja
January -February
Rabindra Jayanti
May
Annual Summer Picnic
June - July
Durga Puja
September - October
Bijoya Sammelan
October - November
Christmas Celebration
December
Cultural evenings, get-togethers & more
Throughout the year
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Most LMBCS events are open to the whole community — members and newcomers alike. Some events may have member pricing or priority access.
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Not at all. Our events are open to everyone — neighbours, friends, and anyone curious about Bengali culture. Come for the food, stay for the community.
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Most major events take place at community halls in Burnaby and greater Vancouver. Check the specific event listing or our Venues page for details.
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Visit our Upcoming Events page, follow us on social media, or sign up for our newsletter to get invitations delivered to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join Us at Our Next Event
Whether it's your first Durga Puja or your fiftieth, there's always a place for you at an LMBCS gathering. See what's coming up, and come say hello.
Read about upcoming events here.
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