Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Dumping places of garbages in Kolkata being replaced by Compactor - a modern machine. In near future, there will be no places marked for vat in the city of joy. This machine is a movable compactor installed in car. The garbages will be collected and stored on this compactor then the car will be sent to Dhapa dumping ground. The authority said, the movable compactor will run from April. Moreover, stationery compactor will also be placed at the existing vats. And it will be covered by iron plates, so there will be no chance to scatter the garbages on road and the existing vats will be renamed as Transfer Station.-- A. B.

The media exposed with the explosive statement of Guild that the power cut at Kolkata Book Fair this evening at the time of press meet was deliberate as the time of next programme was already up. But the question is, there might be other substitutes to end the said programme. Eminent writers of Kolkata also expressed their views that the awkward situation might be averted. Although the power cut was only for a minute, it was not desired. Later, the eminent ex Pak cricketer Imran Khan delivered a lecture in memory of recently departed cricketer of India - Pataudi. Imran said, Pataudi was his idol. And he learnt how to play test cricket with patience, tolerance and total skill from Pataudi. Imran also said that excessive play of 20-20 cricket is the main cause of failure in test cricket for Indian cricketers. The short over cricket only for entertainment and money but test cricket is the original cricket we should play well. Sharmila Tagore later delivered the thanksgiving ...

Poulami Ghatak of Kolkata is again the Champion of National Table Tennis for the seventh times. She beat Samini in Lukhnow by 4-0 (11-9, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7) game. After 11 years, Bangla again the champion of National Junior Volleyball. They defeated Kerala in the final easily by 25-15 25-14 15-25 25-13 points at Durgapur yesterday. Bangla again the champion of B C Roy Trophy in football by average goal rate in Shiliguri yesterday. Although Jharkhand defeated Bangla by 2-1, but as the runners Mizoram beat by Karnataka, Bangla became the champion. -- A. B.

-- A. B.

Roadside puja in rural Bengal. -- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

-- A. B.

Kolkata Phul Mela or 9th Flower Fair 2012 inaugurated today at Eden Gardens. The fair will remain open till 30 January. -- A. B.

It's winter, and bird fair is here in the city of joy. Crowded bird fair just ended on 24 January at YMCA Hall of Vivekananda Road in north Kolkata where more than hundred exotic birds were exhibited by the courtesy of Calcutta Bird Breeders' & Lovers' Association. Amongst them, some rare species of Macaw and Kakatua were the main attractions of the visitors. A fresh Bird Fair is now running at Santosh Mitra Square in central Kolkata. -- A. B.

Chinese New Year - Dragon year, celebrated in the city of joy Kolkata with fun frolic and joy. -- A. B.

Bengal's beautiful 'Basant Utsav at Shantiniketan' tableau will lead at the Republic day parade in New Delhi this morning. And the eternal rural harvest image will reflect at Kolkata parade. The picture above is tableau for Delhi parade and below for Kolkata parade. -- A. B.

In the year 1824 on this day, the great poet of nineteenth century Bengal - Michael Madhusudan Dutt was born at the village Sagardari in Jessore district of British India. His education was started by the inspiration of his mother. Two years after his learning at Khidirpur school in Kolkata, he admitted to Hindu College. At the college, his classmate were Bhudev Mukhopadhyay, Rajendralal Mitra, Rajnarayan Basu etc. At that time his poems were published on various newspapers and periodicals. The poet cherished a dream to go to London and Europe since childhood. So he adopted christianity and became known as Michael M Dutt. Then he admitted to Bishops College and learnt Greek, Latin, Sanskrit languages. Later the poet stayed in Madras (Chennai) as a teacher at the school of Madras Male Orphan Asylum. At that time, he was known as journalist and poet. He edited the paper 'Hindu Patriot The poet used blank verse in Bengali for the first time. The poet wrote his own epit...

Italian journalist, author and columnist Beppe Severgnini inaugurated the 36th Kolkata International Book Fair (Boi Mela) yesterday. The function started with the signature tune written by Anindya Chattopadhyay and Chandril Bhattacharya, composed by Shantanu Moitra and sung by Koushiki Deshikan and Monali Thakur with unique hand-shadow by Amar-Sabyasachi. Then Kolkata Music Academy's orchestra played compositions of Vivaldi. Beppe Severgnini said, the passion of two cities are same, India was the focal theme of 2009 book fair in Italy - and now Italy is the focal theme of 2012 Kolkata Book Fair. A 6-day long literary meet will run from 26th January at the fair. -- A. B.

The touch of colours before to prepare the idol ready for the puja. -- A. B.

Inauguration of 36th International Kolkata Book Fair 2012 today at Milan Mela ground in Kolkata. Focal theme of this year's book fair - country Italy. At international level Britain, Vietnam, USA, Indo-Latin American Association, Spain, Turask, Peru, China, Apple Publishing International, Japan, Israil and gigantic Bangladesh pavilions will be there. A 6-day long literary meet would be the main attraction of book fair where eminent writers of national and international fame will discuss about the present status and future of books. Bengali version of Severgnini's La Bella Figura will be released on this occasion. The Bengali version of this book is called Chhokher Aloy Italy. This years book stalls have been reduced to 782 from 842. The event would witness the Guild pay tribute to Swami Vivekananda. A children's pavilion would be dedicated to Sukumar Roy, to mark his 125th birth anniversary. The book fair would be inaugurated by Italian journalist, author and ...

Preparation of Saraswati puja - unfinished clay models about to get finishing touch now. -- A. B.

A few days later, Saraswati puja. But the clay idols are yet to prepare. So, artists are busy to ready the images in time. -- A. B.

Clay models of goddess Saraswati now under preparation. Here are few images kept in open air to dry by the help of sunlight.-- A. B.

Saraswati puja - next Saturday. Clay idols are being prepared to deliver timely. -- A. B.

You must thinking it's a kite - I mean, bird, flying on the sky. But no, it's a kite - I mean, a kite, made of paper, about to fly. In collaboration with Japan, kite festival is now running at Kolkata Maidan. Various type of kites are flying there - just like this amazing one published on newspaper. -- A. B.

Saraswati puja coming near - artists are busy to prepare the images. -- A. B.

Ferry ghats of Kolkata are one of the main device to cross river Ganga. Numerous commuters availing vessels daily. -- A. B.

-- A. B.

Walking on the road becomes more delightful to find a tea stall just when you need. Kolkata always ready at roadside to make the drive full of joy. -- A. B.

After 12 years, West Bengal participating in Republic Day parade in New Delhi on 26 January with a beautiful tableau of Shantiniketan. According to the final blueprint of tableau, the prayer room, paintings of Kala Bhavan, open air class etc of Shantiniketan will be depicted and images also be there. A group of young dancers will perform through the way beside tableau with springtime dress and song "Neel Digante Oi Phuler Aagun Laglo...". -- A. B.

Fish fair at Keshtopur, Bandel near Kolkata. Various sizes, various species of fishes on sale now to attract prospective customers. -- A. B.

-- A. B.

After the holy dip at Gangasagar, pilgrims now returning back home via Kolkata. -- A. B.

Once upon a time Raja Krishna Ram Roy of Bardhaman digged a dighi (big pool) to save his substance from famine. Later it was named as Krishna Sayar. Every year boat race is being organised here. Today, the festival of boat race or Nouka Baich organised here with much fun & frolic. This year's winner is Damodar. -- A. B.

The 3-day long Kolkata Pet Fair 2012 (13-15 January 2012) closed today with much fanfare and joy. It was running at Park Street. So many native and exotic species of birds, animals and fishes exhibited at the fair. -- A. B.

Today is Makar Sankranti. More than 4 lakh devotees taken the holy dip on the Gangasagar at Sagar Island 180 Kms from Kolkata. Last night rituals with fire was performed and before the dip, rituals on the water also performed. Then, lakhs of pilgrims took holy dip on Gangasagar. -- A. B.

Joydeb-Kenduli Mela running from this auspicious Makar Sankranti for 3 days at the riverbank of Ajoy of Joydeb in Birbhum district of Bengal. A flavour of rural fair alongwith live performance of Bauls are the main attractions of this mela. Many changes occurred in this year's fair - about 40% stalls and 'Aakhra' of Bauls shifted at the sand bank of river Ajoy, so the village may spare some space for day-to-day works. Moreover, the riverbank provided 'moram' road. Increased the number of lavatory and drinking water tube-wells. Lights, securities and administrative amenities provide this year for 7 days in spite of 3 days only. About 500 police personnel including females provided at all the 3 watch towers and 6 police booths in the fair. A details guide map of the mela also being provided this year. As a whole, Joydeb mela is running with changed and enhanced facilities this year.-- A. B.

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, enthusiastic persons, especially kids are flying kites across Bengal. -- A. B.

Tens of thousands of devotees have assembled at the Sagar Island in West Bengal to take a dip tomorrow early morning in the Ganga where it flows out into the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The state government has made elaborate arrangements for the annual Gangasagar fair began today. Over four lakh devotees have reached the island with around 20,000 more waiting on the other side of the river Buriganga. As there is no Kumbh Mela this year, the number of pilgrims is likely to increase. About 150 km from Kolkata in South 24-Parganas district, this island is considered auspicious by the Hindus, who gather here on Makar Sankranti, which is annually celebrated Jan 14, for a holy dip and to pray by offering coconuts at the Kapil Muni temple. The devout believe that a single dip in the sacred water washes off sins of one's lifetime. This year, the pilgrims will take the holy dip on Sunday too. A three-pronged security arrangement has been ma...

Today is a rather special day for the Bachchan family. Not only was it Beti B's first Lohri yesterday, according to a source , today on Makar Sankranti is when the Bachchans are also likely to announce the name of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's first child. -- A. B.

The Lohri festival is an annual thanks giving day and an extremely popular harvest festival in India, especially Northern India. The Lohri festival is being celebrated in Kolkata also with traditional joy, happiness and enthusiasm. -- A. B.

Birds enjoying winter of capital Delhi. Migratory birds like storks and ducks are the attraction of winter at Delhi Zoo. -- A. B.

Digha Beach Festival Mandarmani Udaypur 2012 Attractions: - West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Samudra Utsav (Beach Festival) 2012 at Udaypur Beach this evening, which is just 4Km far from New Digha. All the sea beaches from Udaypur to Mandarmani including Digha, Tajpur all are decorated for Festival. Food Stalls containing sea foods, & other delicious foods, various cultural programs will be organized and an exclusive firework exhibition will also took place at Digha Sea Beach Festival 2012. Most importantly, to attract more tourists to Digha, Mandarmani beaches, from now on Water Sports will be available at Digha- Mandarmani Beach. Rose Valley took the initiative to produce Water Sport Boats and brought two expert Water Sport players from Goa.

Digha sea beach is the nearest beach to Kolkata where weekend can be spent. The government of West Bengal trying to upgrade the standard of Digha beach to decorate it as the finest tourist spot near the city of joy. For this purpose, Digha Beach Festival being organised at a place near Digha. It will run from 13 January to 16 January 2012. Various events and functions are being organised to give the festival a grand success. Water sports would be introduced for the first time in Digha, as well as at the nearby Tajpur and Mandarmani beaches. The water sports will include: para- sailing, water skiing, snorkelling, water zorbing, etc. Beach volleyball, beach kabaddi and a half-marathon will be the beach sports events at the Digha beach festival. There will be an all-terrain bike competition too. Live musical bands will perform on specially erected platforms on the beach. The food festival organised during the festival will offer delectable seafood, including local fa...

Pilgrims across India on the way to Gangasagar about 180 Kms south of Kolkata, to take holy dip on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. -- A. B.

A new turn in Kolkata Premier Football League - Aryan beat East Bengal by 4-1 at home of East Bengal today. In the first half, East Bengal was in lead by Tolge's goal, but Aryan scored 4 goals in the second half in which hat-trick of Charls and another goal by Gopal Debnath. Thus, Raghu Nandi's Aryan checked East Bengal. But, supporters of East Bengal didn't accept the defeat and agitated. They detained the players on the ground after the match for a long time. -- A. B.

Although the hues of winter now changed, black clouds covered the whole area of Bengal sky, rains reducing the maximum temperature and the city feeling awkward, - time goes on its own course leaving sweet memories of one's childhood, when the elder females of family used to engage themselves making varieties of pithe-puli. Those sweet days and dishes vanished now. But we've still a longing for those sweetcakes of our Ma, Masi, Pisi, Kaki, Jethi... To return back the lost flavour of those days, the festival of pithe-puli is being organised on 12 January at Rajdanga of Kasba area in the city. Those who came from Bangladesh, will make sweetcakes like Bhapa pithe of Dhaka, Senka puli of Faridpur, Mug pakan of Narayangunj, Andosa of Jessore, Kachi pora of Khulna, Dudhpuli of Maimansingha, Chandrakala of Chattagram, Chandrapuli of Barishal etc. Moreover, sweetcakes like doi-malpoa, ghi-pithe, oindria pithe or mugpaoli will also be there. Preparation of this festival i...

Khoka chalu cheez - Shyam Bazar ae Soshi Babu with another super-hit Bangla movie of Deb 'Khokababu' releasing on 13 January with Shubhoshri in lead role. -- A. B.