Coimbatore :

While many of them may miss the eclectic culture of Calcutta, there is no doubt among members of the cotton hub’s Bengali community that Coimbatore has now become their favourite city. This is the one community that has been able to maintain its own identity while blending in perfectly with the local community.

On a conservative estimate, more than 22,000 Bengalis hailing from upper and middle class families have settled down in the city. The city also plays host to numerous youths from districts outside Kolkata migrating to work in various industrial units and private firms in the area.

“Most of us have been living here since the 80s. We have made this our home and are totally comfortable here. The salubrious climate and the peaceful law and order situation makes it a better place to raise a family than Kolkata,” said Subrata Majumdher, Secretary, The Bengali Association, Coimbatore.

Majority of the city’s Bengalis are engaged in various business activities. However, the younger generation is opting for IT jobs in MNCs. According to Subrata Barik, another prominent member of the community, a major chunk of Bengalis are associated with gold manufacturing units. In fact Edayar Street in the old city area is lined up with numerous gold manufacturing units owned by members of the West Bengal community. However, the rest of the community is scattered across the city, especially in Saibaba Colony and Kavundampalayam.

“Majority of our community is associated with gold manufacturing business and our workers and gold craftsmen form an integral part of the sector in Coimbatore,” Barik added

Keeping their traditions alive, the community annually arranges elaborate Durga Puja celebrations in the city. The authenticity of the celebration is maintained as artisans from Bengal are hired and brought to Coimbatore and preparations are done from scratch including making the Durga idol.

“Durga Puja celebrations are always done with pomp and style with artisans and musicians specially brought from Calcutta to make the idols and perform for the crowd,” said Ayan Chatterjee, one of the founding members of the Bengali association here in the city.

However, the absence of an authentic Bengali outlet in the city is the one small grievance of the community.

Despite the numerous chat and snack stalls, the city still lacks an outlet that caters to Bengali tastes. However, members are hopeful that this will change very soon.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / by Binoy Valsan, TNN / April 07th, 2014