Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Gitashree Sandhya Mukhopadhyay inaugurated the 'Sangeet Mela 2012' alongwith the Chief Minister of West Bengal and other veteran singers presented on the stage of Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata, this evening. Veteran singer of Bangladesh Firoza Begum was one of the recipient of prestigious 'Maha Sangeet Samman' received from the Chief Minister on behalf of the State Government. She said, so many prizes and honour she has already been given by the Government of Bangladesh, but she felt this particular honour was something special for her. The Sangeet Mela will run at 6 places of the city till 21 April of this year. -- A. B.

By the audition in 4 regions, 24 best selected will be screened and finally best 6 would be selected to take part in grand finale to be held in Kolkata in June. Aromatherapist Keya Sheth announced it in a press meet in Bangladesh. 24 competitors would be selected from the audition in Dhaka, Chitagong, Bogura and Khulna. The Bangladesh final would be held in the first half of April and 3 each from both Miss & Mrs category, would be selected to participate in the grand finale of Kolkata. This unique "sundari" competion is being held in both Bengal and Bangladesh by the supervision of Keya Sheth. For the final round, 32 competitors would be selected from the 16 districts of West Bengal. These 32 and other 6 from Bangladesh, would compete for the final round. Bangladesh witnessed 'Miss Bangladesh' and 'Miss Dhaka' till now, but, not only Miss, Mrs would compete also for the "best" crown - it was a dream for the Mrs of Bangladesh before ...

Cycle rally for 21 February - International Mother Language Day, from Kolkata to Bangladesh. A cycle rally will start on 14 February, 2012 from Kolkata and it will reach Bangladesh via Ranaghat on 20 February. On 21 February, the cyclists will pay homage at the Shahid Minar to the martyrs of the Bengali language movement in the year 1952. And will return the next day. The unique rally is being conducted by in collaboration with an organisation Journey Plus and Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

Bangladesh Festival in Kolkata from 16 December 2011 at the premises of Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner. Eminent singers of Bangladesh and Kolkata will perform Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrulgeeti. Popular and precious saris of Bangladesh, like Dhakai Jamdani, Tangail tant, maslin etc will be exhibited this year also for sale. And special food items of Bangladesh, like Kachchi biriyani, Bhuni khichuri and various items of Ilish (Hilsa) will be there invariably. -- A. B.

Today, inauguration of 3-day long Bangladesh film festival at Nandan, Hall-1, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata. Theme of the festival - 'Bangladesh Muktijuddho in celluloid'. The inaugural cinema- Matir Maina 'The Clay Bird'. Besides, the following films will be screened - Khelaghar 'Doll House' ; Joyjatra; Khanda galpo '1971-A Few Shattered Tales'; Aamar bondhu Rashed 'My Friend Rashed'; Guerrilla The festival is open to all.-- A. B.