We welcome you all on behalf of our Cincinnati Cultural Initiative (CCI) family in this auspicious evening of Devi Paksha to our Durga Puja, 2011. With great pleasure and pride we acknowledge the indomitable spirit of fellow CCI members whose enthusiastic endeavors have lead to the current form of Cincinnati Durga Utsav.
The roots of our humble venture date back to an early Spring (2008) meeting among handful of current members. Since then four challenging years have passed, each one more insolent than its predecessor and each one unconvincing enough to defeat the spirit of CCI as a body. In 2008 we started with our miniature idol but complemented with immensely imaginative decoration; in 2009 CCI creativity and generosity revealed themselves through an artistic brochure and splendid food; in 2010 we not only worshipped our new idol from India but also witnessed doubling of our registrants. Each year CCI has gone from strength to strength and outclassed itself in cultural presentation. All of these are happening when the world economy is crippled with recession. We promise you that in 2011 our celebration will supersede the pasts and result in augmented spirit.
Our deferential gratitude to you for being a part of this celebration of Bengali life and culture, through our offerings to Omnipotent Mother Godess, for the next three days. Not only your involvement refueled us with joy but assure CCI of its humble past, truthful present and ambitious future. Durga pujo epitomizes the true spirit of all-encompassing nature of Sharod Utsav. The word Utsav in Bengali symbolizes the necessary involvement of all walks of life in the triumph of good over evil. Together with You we pray' "Let be it".
SARVAMANGALAMANGALYE
SHIVE SARVATHASAADHIKE,
SHARANYE TRIYAMBAKE GAURI
NARAAYANI NAMOSTUTE.
Mr. Kallol Sen Gupta
Dr. Tapas Ray
Convener, Cincinnati Durga Utsav, 2011
Cincinnati Cultural Initiative