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Aoife Raeside & Aakanksha Surve

'We are celebrating the strength of women' - Durga Puja celebrations in Ireland's first ever Hindu temple

Ireland's first-ever Hindu temple dazzled Dubliners during this year's Durga Puja celebrations.

Now in its third year, the Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre of Ireland (VHCCI) saw nearly 4,000 people take part in its six-day celebration. Sudeep Sanyal, who is one of the board of directors, said: "We are celebrating Durga Puja which is basically [celebrating] woman power. We are celebrating the strength of women.

"It’s [the victory of] good over evil so it’s a joyous occasion for the community." Sudeep, who comes from West Bengal in India, said it's celebrated by millions in his community.

Read more: Dublin's Indian communities set to come together for Durga Puja celebrations

The festival honours Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon king Mahishasura. The celebrations began this year on October 1 and went on for five days until October 5.

This year, the temple opened a kitchen which serves food every Sunday. Sudeep said: "It doesn’t matter which country or religion you come from, it’s open to everyone. We don’t charge any money and it’s completely free."

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