Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

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!

Foggy evening here in Kolkata. No sign of sunshine or sun. But to keep the memory of the last sunset of the year, I captured the view of the sky of Kolkata. And pray to the Sun to rise again in the year 2010.

Sandhya Mukhopadhyay - pride of the city, the living legend, the famous vocalist has given the honorary Doctor of Literature by Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Fun & frolic. Night in Kolkata. Eden Gardens becomes the paradise of cricket. India batting to win against Sri Lanka.

Kolkata now watching India vs Sri Lanka cricket match at the Lords of India - Eden Gardens. I think it is the best gift of Santa for Kolkata on the eve of Christmas!

On my way to home just seen the nice scene