Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Kolkata Book Fair inaugurated today and book lovers can enjoy the fair upto 7 February. It will be opened on 27 January and till 7 February for the common people.

From Nicco Park to Princep ghat - festival rock the city. It will run upto 31 January.

Today, 114th birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Basu, the great freedom fighter of the country. Although he was born in Cuttack, he served the country from Kolkata. Netaji Bhavan at Elgin Road, from where he disappeared forever is now almost a place to worship and recall the unforgettable son of the soil - Netaji Subhas Chandra Basu. Various activities are now on in the city to pay love and respect to the brave leader whose contribution in the field of freedom movement of India is a great history to remember for ever.

Immersion of Saraswati today. Organizers are going downstairs with the image to immerse on River Ganga at this moment.

Today is Saraswati Puja. It is mainly the puja of children. Students organise it at their schools. They have enough enthu and zeal. I can recall, in my childhood I also had enthu and zeal to prepare the pandals for the morning rituals of goddess overnight. My friends of the then club were also there. We used to utilise our family member's clothes, especially mom's and sister's old sarees and bed covers to erect pandals where the image of goddess could remain. Early morning, we used to steal flowers from local gardens of neighbours to perform the rituals. In a nutshell, it was a great day for us youngsters.

Today Kolkata a city of joy again. Saraswati, the goddess of learning is being worshipped by the city dwellers. Here are a few pics of Kolkata's Saraswati Puja.

City of joy now mourning for the departed leader Jyoti Basu (1914-2010) who passes away yesterday in Kolkata after a short illness. He was the former chief minister of West Bengal for 23 years (1977-2000). Kolkatans are now paying homage to him. 2 days national mourning declared. So, the city of joy is not joyful at this moment. Kolkata is crying!

12 January. A child born in Kolkata. Later, he accepted by the world with the name Swami Vivekananda. He became the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Sister Nivedita came to Kolkata to work with Swami Vivekananda. Belur Math near Kolkata established by Swamiji. He trotted India to know his country well.

Rush to enjoy the new year on a week day also. Fun & frolic everywhere in the city.

Kolkata on the road today to mark the New Year's Day - first day of the year 2010!