Through festivals like Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Pohela Boishakh, Holi, Bijoya Sammilani, and informal gatherings such as community BBQs, we come together to share rituals, stories, laughter, and memories.
Participating in Utsab Netherlands events, especially Durga Puja, has become a highlight of our year. Living abroad, it’s not always easy to find a genuine connection to our heritage, but Utsab provides that "home away from home" feeling we look for. We attend because the atmosphere is inclusive and feels like a large family gathering. It is a great way for us to stay connected to our roots and for our children to experience Bengali culture firsthand—from the sound of the Dhaak to the traditional food and performances. The dedication of the community makes every event special. For us, Utsab is about more than just the celebrations; it’s about the lasting friendships we’ve built and the sense of belonging we find here. We look forward to many more years of celebrating together.
With Utsab, festivities aren't just celebrations, they are experiences. Vibrant vibes, effortless styles, and a spirit that connects people. It captures the essence of Indian, specifically Bangali culture in a fresh and contemporary way. It blends traditions with today’s energy. With Utsab, it is like going FULL BONG, on CRUISE mode, through life’s happiest moments!
Utsav Netherlands beautifully bridges the gap between the land of tulips and the spirit of Bengal. Their dedication to celebrating every major festival with such authenticity and warmth creates a unique sense of belonging for all expats. It is a fantastic community that celebrates life, culture, and togetherness in the most inclusive way possible
Every time we attend an event at UTSAB, our daughter returns home with new songs, new stories, and a deeper sense of who she is. She draws pictures of the stage, repeats the prayers, and asks thoughtful questions about our festivals. Through these shared experiences, she is not just celebrating—she is growing into her roots. What she is learning here goes beyond culture; it is an understanding of where she comes from.
We arrived in the Netherlands carrying suitcases and a quiet fear of starting over once again. After seventeen years of living abroad, including time in Denmark and Belgium, we were beginning a new chapter here in the Netherlands with our son, three years ago. The first event we attended at UTSAB changed something in us. There was warmth in the way people spoke to us, familiarity in the songs, and comfort in the shared traditions, conversations, and laughter. It didn’t feel like attending a programme. It felt like stepping into a home. Over time, familiar faces became friends, and friends became family. UTSAB gave us more than celebration. It gave us belonging.
When my husband and I came to the Netherlands in 2024, we had no contacts, no clarity, and no idea where to begin, from finding a place to live to understanding the processes of settling into a new country. Through a simple message on Facebook, we reached out to a member of UTSAB. What we received in return was not just information, it was kindness. He welcomed us with an open heart, guided us patiently, and stood by us in ways we will never forget. He introduced us to a warm group of people who made an unfamiliar land feel close to home. The first time we attended a UTSAB gathering, something shifted inside us. We heard familiar songs, folded our hands in prayer, shared smiles with strangers who soon felt like family and for the first time since arriving, we felt safe. We felt seen. We felt at home. We remain deeply grateful to the person who brought us into this community, and to UTSAB for becoming our first home.