Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Preparation of Durga Puja is progressing everywhere. The blue sky of Bengali season 'Sharat' (শরৎ) has black clouds too. So, all are waiting for the weather forecast of Alipore weather office. But already puja committees of the city have taken the measure to tackle the rush of viewers during Durga Puja. Every year, some unusual events and functions take place on this occasion. This year too, some functions will held in the city. Indian Museum of Kolkata has rich collection of masks from all over the world. This gallery was remain closed for several months due to renovation. Now, it is opened for all. On 27th September'16 it was opened again with some programmes for all day long. The gallery has masks of various god & goddesses of India along with masks of 'Chou' and 'Gambhira' (the folk dance). The inaugural function comprised of workshop for students who exhibited the making of 'Chou' & 'Gambhira' (ছৌ এবং গম্ভীরা) masks. Exhibition ...

On this 79th year, Durga Puja committee of Kashi Bose Lane preparing the theme of Chaplin's "Modern Times". Theme-maker Pradip Das explained the theme as: Industry or agriculture - which part is more important? A giant hand made of iron chain attract the viewers at the entrance. Motif of a thoughtful man will sit on the hand. The man is built of nut bolt and wrench. The influence of machine on man is alarming. The outside of this pandal thus full of machines and machine-like human's tale. But the inside of the pandal would be green and soft - no mechanism will be seen inside. If the outside is tale of prison - the inside will tell the tale of freedom. "এসো মুক্ত কর" is the tag line of this theme. Four statues surrounded the pandal would be the symbol of freedom. A giant zipper will surround the puja pandal and the open portion of zipper will be the entrance. 

Not only in connection with the fiction and writings, kites are actually popular for the kite lovers. History says, Hiuen tsang initiated kite flying in India. Kite has different names in various countries - it is called Tako in Japan, Cerf volant in France, Papalote in Mexico, Vileers in South Africa, Plakwaaier in Belgium, Fung jung in China, Dutch says Vileger, Drachen in Germany, Layang-layang in Indonesia, Aquiline in Italy, Youn in Korea, Drage in Norway & Denmark, Pipas in Portugal, Saranggola in Philippines, Letuchij zmeij in Russia, Cometas in Spain, Drake in Sweden, Wan in Thailand.     But, what's in a name! Kites are popular all over the world. On the day of Akshay Tritia of month Baishakh in Bengal and on 17th September on the day of Viswakarma puja and 'Arandhan' in Bengal household, the custom to fly kites is in vogue particularly in Kolkata. And in villages and other towns of Bengal, kite flying is like a festival on the day of 'Poush Sankranti...

Viswakarma Puja 2016 at Kolkata-Howrah Ferry service.

Now I am at Serampore where Viswakarma Puja is being observed with traditional rituals and joy. Heavy rainfall occurred at noon, but now the rift... and the sun is peeping at this moment of afternoon. The people are on the road, the crowd is growing for Durga Puja shopping.

'Sahaj Parab' is being organised from 2nd September, 2016 to 4th September, 2016 at Nazrul Mancha, Kolkata in collaboration with Lopamudra Productions and Dohar. This year, the 'Parab' will pay homage to Baul Shah Abdul Karim to mark his birth centenary. His songs had tried to tie the two Bangla in one thread. Hence, the folk artists of Bangladesh may participate here too. On the first day, folk singer of Bangladesh and disciple of Abdul Karim - Jamaluddin Hasan Banna will perform songs. Besides, folk singer Anima Mukti and folk band "Jaler Gaan" of Bangladesh will entertain the audience. The veterans of India will participate here too. Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma will play santoor after inauguration. A documentary film on santoor, made by Pandit Shiv Kumar  Sharma will also be shown here today. On 3 September, renowned singer Shubha Mudgal will perform on stage. She will sing sant bhajan, Doha of Kabir etc. Kabiyal Asim Sarkar will perform 'Kabi gaan' on...